When we refer to airlines strategy, network is certainly fundamental – Where an airline flies, how often, and with what aircraft. Networks don’t stand alone. They are amplified by partnerships and alliances that expand reach, build loyalty, and shape competition. In this post, I will explore: Network strategy, Partnerships and Alliances Network Strategy Airline network strategy is part of the deliberate design. It is the most visible manifestation of an airline’s strategy: customers do not see balance sheet or yield curves – they see routes, schedules, and connectivity. Airlines design networks around three big questions: 1. Where to play? a. Domestic dominance, regional focus, or global connector b. Ultra-long-haul “marathon” flights vs short-haul frequency 2. How to structure the network? a. ...
“Vision unlocks what was and what is to propel you into the land of what would be” The complexity of airlines ecosystem is as such that not all airlines end up chasing the same dream. In Part 1, we looked at the complexity of the ecosystem and the breadth of the global value chain. In this post, we look at the vision layer. Vision defines the ambition. The North Star metrics tell if they are on track. The business model choices shape financial outcomes. What is the vision in Airlines? An Airlines vision sets its strategic purpose: Why it exists and how it wants to be seen. Airlines operates at different contexts and their visions naturally emphasize different ambitions. Their priorities, their strategic alignment, stakeholder expectations and their clarity of differentiation all factor in. Dimensions of airlines vision: National Identity/Flag carrier purpose, Premium brand positioning, Low-Cost democratization, Connector Hub vision, Sustainability Leadership, Custom...