The Necessity of Domestic Flights at Business Trips — A Theoretical and Empirical Study Under the Aspect of Climate-Friendly Alternatives

Abstract

Airplanes, one of the most popular means of transport, have a significant influence on greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. While air travel is indispensable for large distance traveling, there are more climate-friendly alternatives for short distances. Therefore, especially domestic flights, which are often used for business trips, should be considered critically. The question arises to what extent domestic flights are compatible with CSR activities of companies and whether business-related domestic flights are necessary. Could they be replaced by more environmentally sustainable means of transport, e.g. by train? In addition, if not, what are the reasons? Beyond that, the question arises why business trips within Germany are carried out at all. Is it possible to replace a business trip by using alternative digital communication methods? For this study, a survey among business travelers at Stuttgart Airport is used to examine the necessity of as well as motivations and alternatives for domestic flights under the aspect of sustainability.