From social-media stars to the Mexican army, everyone wants to run an airline
Today, the airline industry is no longer the exclusive domain of giant multinational corporations – individuals, organizations and even national military forces are all vying for a piece of the aviation pie. From celebrity social media stars to the Mexican Army, it seems like everyone wants to join the race for the skies.
1. Taking Flight: Why Everyone Wants to Run an Airline
The airline industry is like a giant bird in full flight — guaranteed to soar even in the face of economic turbulence. All the big players – Qatar, American, and United, to name a few – are vying for a hold on a market that moves 11.7 million people across the world everyday. Little wonder, then, that so many aspiring entrepreneurs dream of a piece of the pie.
The appeal of heading an airline is obvious. Many see it as a doorway to power and a lucrative career. Meanwhile, they get to fulfill their passion for planes while enjoying a host of benefits; industry-leading salaries, sky-high bonuses, and unparalleled business opportunities. With the Highly Advanced Player Assistance Fund (HAPAF) providing additional financial incentives for prospective airline owners, everybody is keen to join the fray.
- Chance to make real money
- Invaluable experience
- Highly competitive salary
- Perks of owning an aircraft
This enthusiasm for taking to the skies is only heightened by the numerous rewards that come with opening an airline. And why not? It’s a highly attractive industry for the right people with an entrepreneurial spirit, a bright business mind, and the ambition to succeed where others have failed.
2. From Social Media Sensations to the Mexican Army: Airline Ambitions Abound
What can you accomplish in life? If you’re on social media, you can create a stir and possibly be the latest online sensation! On the other hand, if you’re determined to move mountains, you can accomplish something crazy, like building an airline from the ground up. Here are a few inspiring, and daring, people who chose the latter.
From a social media sensation, we have Lupillo Rivera, the Mexican singer who made his dreams come true by launching a low cost airline in September 2019, called LUPILLAR. The airline is currently based in Mexico City and operates regular flights to Cabo San Lucas. Those who fly with LUPILLAR can enjoy free onboard Wifi, entertainment and snacks.
- The Mexican singer, Lupillo Rivera, made his airline dreams come true in Sept 2019.
- LUPILLAR operates regular flights to Cabo San Lucas for a low cost.
- Those who fly with LUPILLAR can enjoy free onboard Wifi, entertainment and snacks.
On an entirely different scale, the Mexican Army also made it their mission to venture into the world of airlines. Military-run VivaAerobus flew its maiden flight in November 2005 and serves routes to different locations in Mexico as well as international destinations such as Las Vegas, Dallas and Houston. With a fleet of 25+ Airbus aircraft and employing more than 1000 personnel, the Mexican Army’s airline ambitions have not gone unnoticed!
3. The Unexpected Viability of the Airline Industry
The airline industry has defied expectation both in terms of survival and profitability. Yet, for a sector so reliant on the health of the global economy, it is rather remarkable that the industry has managed to stay on course.
From the emergence of low-cost carriers to working with airports to develop innovative slot usage, airlines have redefined and reshaped the industry in an attempt to remain viable. The strategies are creative and highly technical, with each airline deploying what works best for them.
Here are some of these strategies:
- Adapting to traveller appetite to capitalize on popular routes
- Utilize technology to increase efficiency and performance
- Recycle and refurbish parts to reduce expenses
- Pursue fleet renewal and retrofitting of existing aircraft
In today’s competitive market, the diversity of tactics to remain viable has led to the longevity of the airline industry. As a result, the airline industry has remained profitable even throughout the downturn in global economies.
4. Behold the Power of the Skies: Opportunity in Airline Management
Airline management offers an increasingly promising field of opportunity to modern entrepreneurs. As the global population continues to grow, an ever-increasing number of people are choosing to travel by air. This presents airline businesses not only with a challenge, but with a remarkable chance to capitalize on a product that ensures both comfort and convenience. The world of airline management offers many doors of opportunity – from new markets to enhance customer experience.
Travelers have come to expect convenience, affordability and flexibility in airline services. To keep up with the changing times, airline management personnel often need to update their offerings to remain competitive. Opportunities for innovation are vast, ranging from the introduction of meals on-board, to the implementation of safety regulations to the marketing of discounts. With advances in technology, the possibilities are endless. Airline management professionals are like airport air-traffic controllers - carefully watching the market for risk, reward and potential reward.
- Identifying new markets and revising customer experience accordingly
- Stay ahead of present and emergent trends in the industry
- Innovate services, pricing and campaigns for customer loyalty
- Manage staffing and revenue
- Design marketing plans to reach wider customer base
As a profession, airline management offers prospects to develop a unique skill set – one that is becoming increasingly valuable in the competitive and ever-changing aviation industry. It is both an honour and challenge to bring the promise and experience of flight to new heights that can be shared with the world.
From chartered flights for athletes to piggyback government ambitions, it is clear the airline industry is in the midst of a renaissance. As competition among players intensifies, the future of the industry remains a mystery – but one thing’s for sure, the sky’s the limit.