There are three significant factors indicating that the U. S. airlines industry is in the growth stage. The airline industry has been introduced to the public and demand has been generated from consumer therefore the development phase has passed. Secondly, revenues have been growing every year, with the major exception caused by the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Lastly, we see that product and brand differentiation is happening in the U. S. airlines industry.
There is a fierce competition between companies to gain a loyal consumer base. In addition, prices differ between competitors and new entrants who are trying to grow by using lower prices, such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airlines. Money is being invested into marketing and loyalty programs to secure positions and remain competitive. The U. S. airlines industry is in a growth stage and this will continue after the effects of the terrorist attacks in 2001 begin to fade. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis:
bargaining power of Suppliers (high): Since there are only two main suppliers, it is relatively easy for them to compete directly with each other. This is because they are both in a fierce rivalry to gain and maintain more business from airlines. If an airline chooses only one of the two then the supplier may have some leverage due to switching costs. Threat of New Entrants (low): There are supply-side economics of scale in the airline industry, with high fixed costs needed for purchase or lease of passenger aircrafts.
The Essay on Airline Industry And Porter's Five Forces
... the major airlines’ rate. Competition from substitutes: the airline industry faces competition from other transportation modes, such ... geographic locations. Competition from established rival: the airline industry can be characterized as an imperfect oligopoly, ... The bargaining power of suppliers: Labor is the airline industry’s largest single expense. Most airline workers belong to ...
These fixed costs can be spread over larger volumes of customers, meaning a higher load factor with more flights by existing airlines allows them an advantage over new entrants, who would need to first provide a significant upfront investment. Bargaining Power of Buyers: (high) There is bargaining power for buyers in air transport as they push to receive the best service at the lowest cost. With consumers being able to readily compare prices through the internet, they are able to make more informed purchasing decisions.
A major reason for JetBlue’s success was due to the lower prices with increased technology and comfort. Buyers face no costs in switching airlines and the end result is still air transport. Southwest Airlines capitalized on the low cost air travel idea and profited. Rivalry Among Existing Competitors: (high) There is rivalry in the U. S. airlines industry with the major companies that are almost equal in size competing for business through the use of service improvements and advertisements, as well as discounting.
Fixed costs are high and thus volume of customers lower the per-unit price of travel. Exit barriers are also high, with heavy investment upfront companies may choose to stay earning low or negative returns. There are low costs to switch, companies like Southwest airlines and JetBlue take business away from major airlines. Threat of Substitutes: (low) There are substitutes to the airline industry such as automobiles, buses, and railroads but these substitutes become almost irrelevant when looking at routes over 600 miles long for customers.
Summary Currently, the U. S. airline industry contains high rivalry among existing firms, where buyers having high bargaining power. These forces are all working against profitability with price competition between firms competing for customers. The positives of the industry include a low threat of entrants and low threat of substitutes. In conclusion, it is difficult to compete and above average returns is scarce. Profitability is hindered among existing competitors.
The Essay on Running Head Contributors To High Cost Of Health Care
Running Head: Contributors to High Cost of Health Care Contributors to High Cost of Health Care (Authors Name) (Institution Name) Contributors to High Cost of Health Care Technology & Direct Factors The direct rising costs for health care is because of the increased pharmaceutical expenses; high costing new technologies, the aging of population, the increase in consumer demands, service ...
