About the market…

While the biggest change in the airline industry in the last ten years has been the emergence of the low cost airline sector, there has also been considerable consolidation within the traditional full service scheduled sector. The charter airlines have also reorganised themselves and there has also been considerable consolidation in this sector, with some businesses tempted into the expanding and potentially lucrative low cost market.

The airline sector is as competitive today as it has been at any time in the past, providing consumers with more choice and cheaper fares than ever before. It is therefore no surprise that the number of passengers uplifted from UK airports is still increasing, estimated at 80 million in 2004, up from 70 million in 2000. However, against this expanding consumer market, the industry continues to struggle in the aftermath of September 11th, although this tragic event may have only accelerated many of the trends that were already starting to emerge at the turn of the century. High oil prices and increased competition will continue to test the survival instincts of all airlines over the next few years.

About Mintel’s research…

Providing the most innovative consumer research and latest market analysis, Mintel's new report offers you all the insight and inspiration you need for designing clever, creative and profitable marketing strategies. Use Mintel's research to:

Discover what consumers consider to be the most important factors when choosing an airline, enabling you to tailor your business accordingly

Identify the common trends in purchasing flights and choosing an airline

Pin point market potential before your competitors

Find out how to best reach key audiences with the most effective marketing communications

Measure market forecasts and build realistic business models

Gain insight into future trends

Gather in-depth information about consumer target groups, including key demographics and media targeting information

Intriguing findings include…

65% of the consumer group say that they would always take a regular airline when going long haul but would consider a no-frills airline for travel within Europe.

Passenger traffic on low cost airlines is expected to continue to grow by at least 30% per annum over the next two years, keeping pace with its rate of expansion in recent years.

57% of consumers who flew with Ryanair during the last two years also flew with easyJet.