"Having free WiFi available at the airport was a prominent suggestion, confirming for Hawke's Bay Airport that this was a more urgent priority and encouraging action."
EIT has helped with the survey through students and School of Business postgraduate research programme co-ordinator Dr Jonathan Sibley, who said the project was statistically robust.
"It's important to EIT that our applied research at degree level is relevant, well structured, and contributes to the improvement of our community, in this instance improving the environment of business travellers," he said.
Ms Neville said business travellers were generous in sharing thoughts and experiences which would meet their needs.
"It shows that the Hawke's Bay business community is keen to see competitive air travel remain and, in fact, expand to other routes.
"The comments have been perceptive and overall it confirms that Hawke's Bay business is outward facing and engaged with marketplaces out of the region, with international travel high.
"The region is very mobile. Despite the internet opening up long distance relationships, businesses are making the effort for face to face engagements, and the ability to travel cost-effectively is helping that."
The 12 month project is funded by Hastings District Council and Napier City Council, shareholders in the airport with the Government.
Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said increased air travel options helped business growth and the survey would enable more initiatives to "make our region even more attractive".
Napier mayor Bill Dalton higher traffic helped attract businesses to make a permanent move to the Bay.
SURVEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:
62% of travel was self-arranged, 31% was organised by a team member and 7% was through an agency.
48% of respondents were from small businesses.
74% of respondents were aged 41 to 65, with an even gender split.
More than 50% of travel was for sales, business development and meetings; 12% was for contact with-out-of region team members; 12% was for networking and 1% was for those commuting to out-of-region roles.
Over a one-month period there was an average of 2.5 trips per traveller.
28% of trips to Auckland; 20% to Wellington; 33% to South Island destinations and 12% international.
30% increase in those making more trips to Auckland this year; reasons being lower cost, growth in Auckland markets and new ventures.
63% were very well satisfied with local airport services and facilities for business travel.
68% would fly to Wellington more for business if airfares were consistently lower.
