Airline Deregulation

Airline Deregulation Blues

In 1978, the United States government decided that deregulating the airline industry was in their best interest. Practices from deregulation have hindered the industry from significant growth and earnings.

Synopsis of the Case

Prior to 1978, the airline industry was controlled by the government, and regulated by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). All aspects of air travel were under control, to include entry, route allocations and fare structures (Grant, 2013).

Relevant Factual Information about the Problem or Decision the Organization Faced

The airline industry faced problems such as competition, new entrants, price discrimination practices and transitional adjustments. Competition grew significantly, as rates became increasingly competitive. Practices that stemmed from deregulation have prevented the industry from maintaining profitability.

Explanation of Relevant Concepts, Theories and Applications Derived from Course Materials

The airline industry faced issues of transitional adjustments after over 50 years of government regulation. During this regulatory time, unions gained much strength and became very powerful. Even though flight schedules were observed to be not profitable, they weren’t able to cut routes because existing contracts didn’t allow employment or hour cuts, nor flight schedule cuts (Econolib). This issue cut deeply into revenues.

Once governmental entry barriers no longer existed, another issue arose from deregulation; new entrants into the market. New competitors had absolute cost advantages because they didn’t have the strict union contacts to deal with that legacy airlines did. Low Cost Carriers (LCC’s) began to enter the market and cater to price sensitive consumers. LCC’s were able to compete on price with help that legacy carriers couldn’t, such as lower hourly wage employees, and higher productivity (Econolin). Before regulation, 10 major airlines controlled 90% of the market. After regulation, 4...