Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

7-2016

Abstract

The rise of Middle East carriers in the past decade has been nothing less than meteoric. Based on the notion of generic strategy, we analysed the potential for competitors of the leading Middle East carriers to respond in terms of market scope and product characteristics, using Singapore Airlines as a reference. We found that it was generally difficult for Singapore Airlines to compete in terms of market scope, and thus it should concentrate on offering different degrees of differentiation in its products. While the latest small, long-haul aircraft could help increase Singapore Airlines' market scope, this impact would be marginal at best. We compared the product offerings and prices for the Business and Economy cabins, and noted the intensive competitive pressures the leading Middle East carriers exerted on Singapore Airlines. Improving specific product qualities such as guaranteeing a horizontally flat bed in Business and the overall quality in Economy helps competitors command higher prices, while other niches are still possible.

Keywords

Middle East, Full-service incumbents, Intercontinental hubs, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways

Discipline

Asian Studies | Strategic Management Policy | Transportation

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

Journal of Air Transport Management

Volume

54

First Page

111

Last Page

122

ISSN

0969-6997

Identifier

10.1016/j.jairtraman.2016.04.003

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2016.04.003

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