3 Airtite was set up in 2000 as a low cost airline operating from a number of regional air

3 Airtite was set up in 2000 as a low cost airline operating from a number of regional airports in Europe. Using these

less popular airports was a much cheaper alternative to the major city airports and supported Airtite’s low cost service,

modelled on existing low cost competitors. These providers had effectively transformed air travel in Europe and, in so

doing, contributed to an unparalleled expansion in airline travel by both business and leisure passengers. Airtite used

one type of aircraft, tightly controlled staffing levels and costs, relied entirely on online bookings and achieved high

levels of capacity utilisation and punctuality. Its route network had grown each year and included new routes to some

of the 15 countries that had joined the EU in 2004. Airtite’s founder and Chief Executive, John Sykes, was an

aggressive businessman ever willing to challenge governments and competitors wherever they impeded his airline and

looking to generate positive publicity whenever possible.

John is now looking to develop a strategy which will secure Airtite’s growth and development over the next 10 years.

He can see a number of environmental trends emerging which could significantly affect the success or otherwise of

any developed strategy. 2006 had seen fuel costs continue to rise reflecting the continuing uncertainty over global

fuel supplies. Fuel costs currently account for 25% of Airtite’s operating costs. Conversely, the improving efficiency of

aircraft engines and the next generation of larger aircraft are increasing the operating efficiency of newer aircraft and

reducing harmful emissions. Concern with fuel also extends to pollution effects on global warming and climate

change. Co-ordinated global action on aircraft emissions cannot be ruled out, either in the form. of higher taxes on

pollution or limits on the growth in air travel. On the positive side European governments are anxious to continue to

support increased competition in air travel and to encourage low cost operators competing against the over-staffed

and loss-making national flag carriers.

The signals for future passenger demand are also confused. Much of the increased demand for low cost air travel to

date has come from increased leisure travel by families and retired people. However families are predicted to become

smaller and the population increasingly aged. In addition there are concerns over the ability of countries to support

the increasing number of one-parent families with limited incomes and an ageing population dependent on state

pensions. There is a distinct possibility of the retirement age being increased and governments demanding a higher

level of personal contribution towards an individual’s retirement pension. Such a change will have a significant impact

on an individual’s disposable income and with people working longer reduce the numbers able to enjoy leisure travel.

Finally, air travel will continue to reflect global economic activity and associated economic booms and slumps together

with global political instability in the shape of wars, terrorism and natural disasters.

John is uncertain as to how to take account of these conflicting trends in the development of Airtite’s 10-year strategy

and has asked for your advice.

Required:

(a) Using models where appropriate, provide John with an environmental analysis of the conditions affecting the

low cost air travel industry. (12 marks)