Which factors do air carriers consider when selecting routes?

Air carriers consider market size and forecast demand as essential factors when selecting routes because these elements directly impact profitability and operational viability. Market size refers to the overall number of potential passengers that could use the service on a particular route, while forecast demand involves predicting future trends based on historical data, current market conditions, and economic factors. Understanding these aspects enables airlines to identify routes that are likely to generate sufficient revenue, ensuring that they are aligning their operations with the needs and preferences of travelers.

The other options do not adequately capture the comprehensive criteria used in route selection. Focusing solely on historical flight data disregards the evolving nature of demand and market conditions. Passenger desires alone may not provide a complete picture without consideration of the broader market dynamics. Lastly, relying on general opinions of elected officials might lead airlines to consider routes that do not necessarily align with their business model or customer demand, potentially undermining financial performance.