Cost efficiency of air vs road train

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Centre for Appropriate Technology Discussion › Transport and access › Cost efficiency of air vs road train

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  • 24/08/2021 at 1:05 pm #2647
    Rachel Alford
    Keymaster

      Hi all,

      We received this question in our email inbox which I thought could be useful information for everyone.

      Question: I failed to find any information regarding the cost efficiency of air vs road train access, just wondering if there were any stats available to you please regarding the cost efficiency of air transport and road train transport?

      Answer:We don’t have any specific statistics on hand which can answer your question, but in general the fuel cost per tonnage of freight would make a diesel road train far more cost efficient than air transport.

      However, there are some other considerations to keep in mind aside from cost when considering air vs road transport. Most of the airstrips in Cape York are smaller than what would allow a commercial cargo plane, so the quantity of goods that are able to be brought in is far less than on a road train. Also, not every location in the cape is close to an airstrip, but most locations can make their way to the main roadstops and junctions to collect deliveries.

      However, the accessibility of roads is also something to be considered, with many roads becoming unusable during the wet season due to flooding. Just some things to keep in mind aside from cost when considering transport options.

      Thanks,
      Rachel

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