A new breed of hybrid airlines has evolved and is overtaking traditional low-cost carriers (LCCs), according to a new study released by Sabre Airline Solutions. The reason is simple. Hybrids want a piece of the lucrative business travel market instead of appealing mainly to price-conscious leisure travelers.
A global study of 540 airlines showed that seven percent had turned into full-service carriers; 41 percent retained their low-cost, no-frills characteristics; and 52 percent were part of an emerging breed of hybrids.
Full-service airlines offer international routes, use of GDS, codesharing, connecting services, multiple aircraft types, different classes of service, multiple fares, and long-haul destinations. Hybrids are carriers with more than three of these features.
Hybrid airlines currently operating within North America include Southwest, JetBlue, WestJet, and AirTrain Airways.
www.sabreairlinessolutions.com
