Title: Airlines define their business models: a content analysis

Authors: Yusuf Sengur; Ferhan Kuyucak Sengur

Addresses: Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences, Department of Aviation Management, University of Kyrenia, Karakum Campus, Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ' Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Aviation Management, Anadolu University, 2 Eylul Campus, Eskisehir, Turkey

Abstract: Business model is not a new concept; however, it has been recently studied in business management literature. On the other hand, business model concept has not been studied in terms of its components in airline business. The purpose of this study is to see how airlines define their business models based on business model components. In this study business model concept is introduced and business model components are discussed as they have been explained in literature. Research part aims to explore how airlines describe their business models. To clarify this, a content analysis has been done in the strategic statements and in 'about us' parts of the websites of 50 biggest airlines worldwide. Our study shows that there are four components that airlines mention in their strategic statements and in 'about us' parts of their websites. These components are: 1) the value proposition; 2) the market segmentation; 3) the value chain; 4) the profit structure.

Keywords: airline management; airline strategy; air transport; airline business models; low-cost airlines; airline industry; content analysis; airline websites; value proposition; market segmentation; value chain; profit structure.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2017.082732

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2017 Vol.6 No.2, pp.141 - 154

Received: 21 Nov 2015
Accepted: 06 Sep 2016

Published online: 09 Mar 2017 *

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