Southwest vs Westjet

Southwest airline is well known as ‘discount ariline’ amongst its rivals in the industry. The keep-it-simple philosophy has served Southwest well. It has long been regarded as a benchmark in its industry for operational excellence.

Southwest Airlines is a fine example of a company that is committed to its core competencies – efficient operations to drive its low cost structure, outstanding delivery of customer service and innovative HR management practices.

Herb Kellerher, CEO Southwest Airlines, states that culture is the source of competitive advantage at Southwest as it does a lot of things right viz using point-to-point routes, flying relatively new planes, using only one type of plane, and are famous for "no frills" i.e. no meals and no assigned seats. But these things are not considered the reason for competitive advantage, as these things can be copied by a competitor tomorrow. The only thing they can't copy is Southwest’s culture." Says the CEO.

Southwest has a culture a lot of companies would like to copy. There are few trappings of power and little bureaucracy. Employees get things done quickly, have fun, move fast, and work together. New ideas are easy to bring forward and quickly shared. The result is a workforce that is fiercely committed to Southwest and fiercely dedicated to the customer.

60% of its service is still very short haul. Southwest needs to be mindful of the fact that a certain approach that has been successful for its competitor may not be necessarily work to its advantage.

http://airline-industry.malq.net/southwest-airlines-operations-a-strategic-perspective/

By 2016, WestJet will be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world providing guests with a friendly and caring experience that will change air travel forever. WestJet’s strategic plan is built on four pillars for long-term success: • People and Culture – Investing in and fostering the growth, development and commitment of our people. • Guest...