What is the first step in best practices of Air Service Development (ASD)?

The first step in the best practices of Air Service Development (ASD) is to begin with an assessment of community air travel. This foundational step is crucial because understanding the existing air travel dynamics within a community involves evaluating current air service levels, identifying passenger demands, and recognizing travel patterns.

By assessing community air travel, stakeholders can gather vital data regarding the regions served, the number of passengers traveling to and from the area, and their reasons for travel. This comprehensive understanding lays the groundwork for the subsequent steps in ASD, such as determining viable destinations, load factors, and potential airline partnerships. Without a solid grasp of the community's travel needs and behaviors, any decisions made about service development may lack alignment with market demands, ultimately leading to unsuccessful or unsustainable initiatives.

Thus, starting with an assessment of community air travel enables more informed decision-making and helps ensure that the subsequent efforts in air service development are relevant and effective.