Failure is a lesson learned, Success is a lesson applied, story of a failed airline. Flybe was once Europe’s largest regional airline, connecting small cities and towns that the bigger carriers ignored. Founded in 1979 as Jersey European Airways, it rebranded as Flybe in 2002 and became a familiar name across the UK and Europe. Its story, however, is a cautionary tale: a company that diversified ambitiously but could not sustain profitability in an unforgiving industry. Horizon 1: The Core – Regional Connectivity Flybe’s core was short-haul, regional passenger flights within the UK and Europe. It focused on underserved routes such as Southampton–Manchester or Birmingham–Edinburgh, building loyalty among business and leisure travelers alike. By the mid-2000s, Flybe operated hundreds of daily flights and became known as “Europe’s largest regional airline.” It built a strong domestic footprint in the UK, filling gaps left by British...
Diversification Story series Airline 8: Japan Airlines, Resilience Through Diversification and Renewal
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951, becoming Japan’s flag carrier in 1953. For decades, JAL embodied Japan’s postwar economic miracle — a global carrier with prestige, scale, and technical excellence. But JAL’s story is not just about being a flag carrier; it is about diversification, collapse, and reinvention. The airline has ventured into hospitality, logistics, and alliances, endured bankruptcy, and emerged as one of the most resilient airlines in Asia. Horizon 1: The Core – Flag Carrier Strength From its earliest years, JAL’s foundation was premium passenger and cargo services, connecting Japan to the world. By the 1960s, it had grown into one of the largest international airlines, serving North America, Europe, and Asia. JAL became a symbol of Japan’s precision and reliability, operating iconic aircraft such as the Boeing 747 on long-haul routes. Its core passenger services — supported by Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda hubs — gave...