My Fascination with the Airline Industry

Long time readers of my articles, clients of my consulting business and audience members of my speaking engagements notice very quickly that I use the airline industry in discussing topics related to entrepreneurial strategy.

What’s my fascination with the airline industry?

1) I travel a lot and love visiting new places and so I tend to know what goes on that sector

2) The industry is very competitive and companies with an entrepreneurial mindset remain afloat. This is one industry where there are so many variables at play that survival itself is an award deserving achievement.

3) The nature of the industry leads to crazy price wars that are crafted and sometimes packaged in creative forms.

4) The nature of the industry leads to crazy price hikes that are direct results of the insane operating expenses.

5) Most airlines are public companies and so are their activities so it’s easy to have a clear picture at every single marketing decision and move and give them a thorough analysis, as the effects are usually immediate.

6) I sincerely admire marketing professionals in the industry. I bow down to them. There’s one industry I would not venture into as entrepreneur although there are very promising concepts that should be exploited. I am not the stressful type but working in that industry would drive me nuts. For instance, Fuel costs kill off a US airline every week! :( I don’t know how Herb Keller did it!

7) Everyone is aware of the airline industry because most people have taken an airplane (88% in the US). So I assume that entrepreneurs will recognize the examples and companies mentioned. I could talk about industries such as mixed martial arts, independent music, fashion retail, nightlife, hospitality to name the quick examples that come to mind but most readers, clients or audience members would not know what I am talking about as they would not be familiar with the context.

So there you go. Now you know why I like to bring up the airline industry in my writings and talks!

Extra bonus: I wanted to be a pilot like most young boys too…