What does the Revenue Management Administration do? How many people work? Can we get general information?
Our Administration comprises 14 directorates and a staff of 350 people works. This department determines the rates within Turkish Airlines, observes the other airlines, and conveys any information associated with the dynamics of the market to the general directorate. We can essentially sum up like this.
Why do the ticket prices change? Can you tell us a little about the logic of this?
The ticket prices change according to the date of booking or intensity of demand. These data are assessed by the relevant analysts in line with the market conditions, and then the ticket prices are finalised according to the determined strategies. For example, while a passenger travelling to Bodrum buys his/her ticket on average 10 days before, a passenger who will travel to the Far East makes his/her plans 6-7 months earlier and does the booking likewise. Our friends specialised in demand analysis foresee this situation and determine the ticket rates accordingly.
On which criteria do the airline companies’ estimation modelling of the ticket rates depend?
Every airline company may have different revenue management approaches on their own. In general, the estimation modelling is formed upon the analysis of occupancy rates and seasons of flights and the data of the previous periods.
In aviation, there is a price curve that shapes up with demand essentially. Has it always been so? Or have we started to encounter instantaneous price changes more frequently as competition has increased?
In the past, in the times when there was no revenue management strategy, there were fixed rates and the pricing was done based on those rates. But now, competitor analysis are done, occupancy and inventory checks are done, and a strategy in line with the revenue target is pursued. The structure is quite dynamic, pricing can change in minutes or even seconds. I can say that it is an exciting process.
There is an urban legend like this: The price on the website increases a little more at every entry to the site; but it decreases when you check the same ticket in incognito mode through the browser. There is such a common belief; can it be true?
Such a thing is technically possible when the relevant data is collected. However, since such an application is not suitable with our ethical understanding, it has no place in our current estimation modelling.
Let’s talk about camping… Can you tell us about your passion for camping? What is it that motivates you about camping?
I can say that it is being in close contact with nature. In modern world, people do not know how to spend their days outside the walls very well. However, our ancestors were grown up in nature, raised in caves. In current conditions, we are doing this rather for sparing time for ourselves. In camp, you are challenging the nature. Especially in cold winter days, you are giving a fight to survive. It is not being under comfortable conditions like you do in your house, at your home. You are doing planning for this and in the end you achieve success. Although it is thought that being so intimate with technology in our daily lives gives us comfort, we have started to spare more time for them. This current situation, which is obviously harmful to human health, has taken us away from nature. Therefore, the best method of therapy for saying “stop” to the fast flow of life and taking a fresh breath is to stay side by side with nature. We all need this kind of recuperation. The fresh breath filling in our lungs also increases the motivation for life.
You said “defying nature”. The recent forest fires have made all of us deeply sad. What are the measures that the campers must take on this matter?
Whether professional or not, a camper must know about the natural events at the location where he/she will set up a camp. For example, a camper must get to know about the information such as whether there is a risk of landslide, or how the tree structure is, etc. at the place to camp. A good camper must act without harming the nature and with the consciousness that he/she lights that fire to survive. When lighting a fire, they must be careful about whether the surrounding is safeguarded, and the fire must be isolated with objects such as stone and the risk of spread must be eliminated. Otherwise, fires lit unconsciously might have great costs. Because beyond the burning of trees, there is a grave situation as affecting the ecological system in the forest. That’s why, they must be very careful.
Is camping a costly hobby? What must be done at the beginner’s level?
As the popularity of camping has increased recently, it has become a little bit more expensive. An order of priority must be made. Before all, it must be decided where to camp, what kind of camping to be done, and the necessities must be determined accordingly. For example, if you will go camping in summertime, taking a winter-type sleeping bag would not be so meaningful. First, the place and time of camping have to be determined. In winter camps, you might need equipment of higher quality. You would need a tent with good ventilation and resistance to rain. Time brings greatly valuable experiences. A good tent means a good zipper. The failure of the tent’s zipper may turn the whole camping into a hell; this must not be forgotten.
Is an automobile a must in camping?
An automobile is not a must, but a huge luxury. Some people go camping by hitchhiking and some go by motorcycles. Motorcycle has become especially popular recently. Because it provides great convenience for those who want to stay alone and maybe for those who pursue an inner journey. Mountaineers mostly do their high-altitude camping without using any vehicles.
What was the place in Türkiye that you had the most pleasure camping? And why?
We are living in a country, every inch of which is surrounded by incredible beauties, and there are excellent places to camp. For example, one of them is Artvin Borçka, which I have not found the opportunity yet, but I want to see a lot. On the other hand, there is İğneada floodplain forests that I have been to. It is quite nice both for beginners and the experienced. It is free of wild animals a little more, and it is a place where there is no facility and where you can comfortably camp. The floodplain forests are special forests; the soil has a flowing structure. When it rains, you feel the water dribble down in between the leaves. Its unique flora is different from what we are used to see. Thinking globally, one of my dreams is to have camping while watching the northern lights in Norway, which I have not had the opportunity to do yet.
I wonder about the tricks of camping in places where wildlife exists. Let’s say, in Yedigöller, there are wolves or bears. What are the odds that these animals coming to the camp? How do you provide the security? Or must it not even be reckoned among?
Wild animals would most probably come to the smell of the meat you cook or food you prepare. In such a situation, animals must strictly not be harmed. Saying “it frightened me and I shot it” means spoiling the balance of nature. For this reason, the food must be very well isolated and must not give off smell. The chance to encounter an animal is very low at any facility. However, when we set up a tent at a place out of the facility, we are using fire crackers. Animals are running away when they hear the sound. Thus, neither the animals nor we are harmed. Especially if you fire the crackers before setting up the tent, the animals would not approach you.
Let’s continue with the gastronomy side of the subject: Let’s hear about the best camp foods from you.
Even though I differ from most of my friends on this matter, I am not so fond of using meat products. The reason of this is that it attracts the animals getting the smell. It is a pity for them. I do rather prefer foods such as salad, French fries and stuffed baked potato made with a potato left to wait for 7-8 hours. Especially for beginners, it might work to think how more practically you can appease yourself; so you can choose canned foods. We have also cooked meat, but it is necessary to do it in more protected areas. It is also necessary to consume foods that are rich in protein. Because you are continuously in motion in camp. In addition, foods that are rich in protein and minerals and that do not cause much dehydration provide advantages especially in challenging conditions.
Finally: What do you recommend to those who will start camping?
At the first stage, it is necessary to know the place to camp, the weather and the conditions thoroughly. How to get there, is water available, is it possible to find food from somewhere, is there any facility? All these matters must be checked. After that, especially for the beginners, equipment must be procured in accordance with the weather condition, and it must be learned how to use that equipment. When you do not know how to use a knife, you cannot benefit from any of its features. In addition, proper division of labour in a camp may help prevent from likely accidents to some extent. Whether be an experienced camper or a beginner, never forget to have first aid materials available at a camp.
