Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant drop in air ticket prices during the summer of 2023, highlighting the volatility and unpredictability of pricing in the airline industry, particularly for domestic and international routes from China to Japan and South Korea [3][18]. Group 1: Price Trends - Many consumers were surprised by the drastic reductions in airfares for summer travel, especially for routes to Japan and South Korea, with prices dropping to as low as 991 yuan for flights from Shanghai to Osaka [6][12]. - Domestic flights also saw significant price cuts, with routes like Beijing to Harbin priced around 400 yuan and Beijing to Altay at 1080 yuan [12][14]. - International routes to Europe, such as flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to Amsterdam, were available for over 2000 yuan, while traditional destinations like Paris and Rome remained around 3000 yuan [16][17]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Airlines have increased flight capacity significantly to capture the recovering demand, particularly on popular international routes, leading to an oversupply situation [19][22]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, especially on domestic and regional routes, resulting in aggressive pricing strategies among both low-cost and mainstream carriers [24]. - The financial struggles of major airlines, as indicated by their loss warnings, have prompted them to adjust pricing strategies to fill seats, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards more price-sensitive travel [23][27]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Sentiment - The article notes a shift in consumer sentiment, where travelers are becoming more cautious and price-sensitive, leading to a tendency to wait for lower fares rather than booking early [31][32]. - This change in behavior has created a cycle of distrust between consumers and airlines, where consumers are hesitant to commit to purchases, fearing they might miss out on better deals [36][40]. - The reliance on last-minute pricing strategies by airlines has resulted in a deterioration of the traditional revenue management model, which could pose long-term risks to the industry [39][40].