Martin Dresner received his Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on two broad areas, air transport policy and logistics management. Professionally, he is President of the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) and a past president of the Transportation and Public Utilities Group (TPUG) of the Allied Social Sciences Association and of the Transportation Research Forum (TRF).
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – There’s no question about it: Travelers just aren’t flying as much as they used to.
While the number of flight passengers has increased since the lows seen in March and April, airlines don’t anticipate being able to cover flight costs over the coming months. Coronavirus-induced uncertainty is a big reason why.
As COVID-19 grew into a pandemic, consumers did what they usually do when disaster looms: flocked to retailers, clearing store shelves of essentials – toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap. This consumer stockpiling urge also kicks in before hurricanes and is the subject of new research from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact across industries, sectors and cultures, and prompting people around the world to pose questions and seek answers.
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – As concern over the spread of novel coronavirus deepens, retailers are struggling to keep pace with a seemingly overwhelming urge to stockpile.
Martin Dresner, professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, delivered the keynote speech at the Conference on Air Transport, Regional Development and Policy. The conference took place in February 2017 at the University of Bergamo in Italy.
Dresner presented “Gains (And Losses) Through Connectivity,” which explored how market entry is affecting the U.S. airline industry.
United Airlines is the latest major U.S. airline to unveil a new price point for budget travelers – basic economy – a flight with so few perks its critics have dubbed it the "misery class." You’ll pay a reduced fare – basic economy is aimed at helping United steal back share from low-cost competitors – but, in exchange, you’ll be the last passengers to board, you’ll agree to whatever automated seat assignment you’re given at check-in (even if it means not sitting with your travel companions), and you won’t dare use the overhead storage compartments. It might be just the ticket for airlines, and for flexible travelers whose chief concern is price, says Smith School Professor Roland Rust. But what will it mean for United's brand? Read more...
Air passengers are poised for improved baggage handling as a result of a broader set of forthcoming rule changes from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Smith School professor Martin Dresner says the new rules won't significantly hurt airlines, which already do a pretty good job of delivering bags reliably and on time. He says one possible winner might be Southwest Airlines. Read more...
Southwest Airlines eschews online travel agencies. But a trio of U.S. senators is pushing for a forced marriage of sorts between the industries in the name of consumer protection. The lawmakers recently issued a news release urging pressure on airlines to share fares and fees with online travel agencies. Smith School professors Martin Dresner and P.K. Kannan share insights. Read more...
Travelers who admire airport efficiency should book their next flight through Atlanta. For the 13th consecutive year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport placed first for airport performance in an annual global ranking from the Air Transport Research Society, headquartered at the Smith School. U.S. airports excel at doing more with less, but other rankings suggest the same airports lag in service quality. Smith School professor Martin Dresner explains why. Read more...
Lines at some airports have gotten nightmarish as travelers head into the summer's first holiday weekend. As a result, two U.S. senators have called on airlines to stop charging fees for checked bags as a way to reduce the burden on TSA screeners. Research from Smith School professor Martin Dresner at three Washington-Baltimore airports show how baggage fees do indeed significantly change consumer behavior. Read more...
