20 November 2008

Is Network Integrity Important for an Airline

Ever since I heard the presentation from Air Asia X dissing the concept of network integrity – I have been thinking about this issue. It cuts to the core of Airline mentality – which in my humble opinion tends to be unidirectional. IE they decide you have to accept.

It is a tough choice for airlines – a consistent service product or operational efficiency. The two are not naturally aligned. So the massive costs associated with operating a plane including many which are fixed creates a set of issues that become hard to manage.

But the idea that network integrity is sacrosanct can be equated to the type of operation. So if you are in a leisure market it might just be OK to run a varied schedule. I am not suggesting that you employ a totally random schedule but at least make it logical and explainable to the consumer. Find a way to match demand

This might actually have more importance than previously thought by the conventional wisdom. Think about it.

Cheers

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