Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to investigate the types of communication between aviation industry workers and passengers according to environmental changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication styles of airport staff, especially those working at airline check-in counters, on passenger satisfaction. Research Design: The research design focuses on the impact of verbal communication styles and non-verbal communication factors of airline check-in counter staff, who represent the initial point of contact with passengers among airport staff, on passenger satisfaction. The survey period for sample collection was from July 1 to July 30, 2023, and the study was conducted targeting passengers boarding aircraft through Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport. Result: First, it is important for airport staff to recognize all passengers, especially corporate customers, as corporate customers rather than simply as individuals boarding an airplane. Second, as the importance of non-verbal expressions increases due to the impact of COVID-19, physical and verbal responses are necessary. Third, it is important to check which language the passenger understands. Conclusions: Since communication through nonverbal expressions has become more important since COVID-19, airport employees need to recognize the importance of nonverbal communication. This awareness can serve as a foundation for building trust between airport staff and passengers.