Abstract:
The purposes of this research were: 1) to investigate the customers expectations for the Happy Air Airlines, 2) to examine the service process of the Airline, 3) to study the problems and suggestions from the customers, and 3) to look for guidelines to improve the services of the Happy Air Airlines. The research consisted of qualitative and quantitative designs. The researcher collected the data from 400 customers by using questionnaires. The data was then analyzed by using an SPSS program and the results shown as frequency, percentages, means, S.D. and Chi-Square.
From the qualitative study, the customers found that most of the pilots and crews were working efficiently as a good team. The staff were reliable, and honest. The customers also found the airlines staff to be polite, and attend to the customers needs. In addition, the airline provided various methods for payment which was found to be safe and convenient. The aircraft were small but very new.
From the quantitative study, it was found that most customers used the airline about 1-2 times per year. The customers expectations included the pilots and staffs professional skills, a quick check- in, clean toilets and cabins, as well as internet access via mobile phone. The level of the customers perceptions about the airlines services was found to be very high in the following areas: the pilots professional skills, attitudes and behaviors, service accessibility and flexibility, reliability and honesty, and good reputation.
The results of the perception analysis of the customers were as follows:
1. The perception of the customers of different gender and occupation differed significantly in the following areas: attitudes and behaviors, service accessibility and flexibility, reliability and honesty, and good reputation.
2. The perception of the customers of different age differed significantly in the following areas: professional skills, attitudes and behaviors, service accessibility and flexibility, and reliability and honesty.
3. The perception of the customers of different income differed significantly in the following areas: reliability and honesty, and good reputation.
4. The customers expectations was found to be affected by their perceptions. The customers of different expectations to the airlines services had different perceptions about the airline.
Suggestions to improve the airlines strategies to attract more target groups included the need to assist the customers when changing flights, the 24 hour call center service, and marketing strategies to communicate information to the customers more efficiently.