Economics 9708 · AS & A Level · Price elasticity of demand

Price elasticity of demand — practice question

(a)[3]

What evidence in the article shows that BA’s costs are higher than those of its competitors?

(b)[6]

The article states that ‘the cheapest seats on BA are still more expensive than those of no-frills competitors on the same route’. Explain when price discrimination can occur and discuss whether this counts as price discrimination.

(c)[4]

All airlines list their fares, so each one knows the prices set by rivals. Does this mean that the market for airline seats is perfectly competitive?

(d)[3]

Explain what is meant in the context of the article by the phrase ‘the market has spoken’.

(e)[4]

Is there enough evidence in the article to suggest that BA’s recent policy changes might increase profits?

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