Abstract
This paper contends that the demand for third party maintenance within the airline industry is accelerating given the rapidly increasing cost of airliners, cost of fuel and the increasingly complex and costly regulatory environment. The paper also states that these factors are making maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) the central focus on third party maintenance in the airline industry globally. In this paper, the author examines the factors leading to the rise in third party maintenance, criteria for choosing maintenance providers and the framework for evaluating MRO strategies. The paper contains a diagram and a tabe.

Outline:
Introduction
Significant Change in Progress in MRO Providers' Business Models
Considerations and Benchmarks for Selecting Maintenance Providers
Framework for Evaluating MRO Strategies
Summary

From the Paper
"The use of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to assure airline operators that their MRO measures of performance are attained, in conjunction with the development of dashboards and scorecards that can provide real-time access to data typify the highest performing airline operators. Contracts are typically thirty six months in duration and all have a specific clause that defines the minimum level of performance by each specific key performance indicator or metric. Airline operators are also increasingly relying on MRO services to increase their potential revenue streams, as Lufthansa is doing for example with Boeing engines. The transition of MRO providers into taking on more third party programs including Asset Management, surpassing their traditional role as components fix-and-replace service companies is now in full force. The many cost factors that are forcing airline operators to focus on MRO partnerships at a more fundamental and strategic level is completely re-ordering the relationship of airline operators, service providers, and components contractors. As the costs associated with operating an airline increase so will the reliance continue on MRO as a strategic alternative."

Tags:aircraft, refurbishing, fuel, regulatory, components, spares, overhaul, engines, airframes, economics, costs, profits, oil, engineering

Abstract
In this article, the writer identifies the differentiations between Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways. The writer examines what factors contributed to Virgin Atlantic Airways success within a short period of time. The writer then looks at what other competitors in the field of big business airliners are doing to counter this success. The writer discusses research relevant to Virgin Atlantic Airways and its rival competitor, British Airways, to develop relevant insights concerning awareness, brand loyalty, customer's perception, brand equity and brand value. An evaluation of the respective operations, facts and figures of these airlines serves to offer an overview of how Virgin Atlantic Airways carries and handles the reputation and sensitive balancing act to find a niche for its own brand.

Outline:
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Review of Related Literature
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"There is a play element as well, which was one of the findings of the Virgin team: passengers like games. So the 'Den' section includes a pool table, retro video games (obviously beloved of middle-aged male passengers who have achieved financial success), plus films, and tv sports coverage, all viewed from extra-deep sofas. The quality of furniture and materials throughout is impressive and well chosen, giving distinct identity to very different parts of the facility, for example the spa facility. This is an unusual interior; aptly contemporary, it doesn't conform to the pattern of dilute modernism of much airport design, but nor does it fall for the antique look so beloved of British hoteliers when it comes to offering luxury services. Richard Branson must be pleased with the increase in passenger numbers the Clubhouse has helped to generate. For us ordinary mortals, we can only hope that the Formula One standards achieved here (with a price tag of [pounds sterling]11m) somehow rub off on the travelling experience for those of us in carriage class"."

Tags:carrier, corporate, management, goals, flying

Abstract
This report compares the accounting policies and quality of earnings between five different airlines: Alaskan Airlines of the U.S., Cathay Pacific Airlines Ltd. Of Hong Kong and China, Turkish Airlines of Turkey, Qantas Airlines of Australia, and Emirates Airline of Dubai.

From the Paper
"This report will compare the accounting policies and quality of earnings between five different airlines; Alaskan Airlines of the U.S., Cathay Pacific Airlines Ltd. of Hong Kong and China, Turkish Airlines of Turkey, Qantas Airlines of Australia and Emirates Airlines of Dubai. All of the companies were audited and received unreserved opinions. The four foreign companies used International Financial Reporting Standards while Alaskan Airlines used U.S. generally accepted accounting principals. The Alaskan Airlines auditor's report was also the only..."

Tags:international, acounting, financial, statement, airline, accounting, principal, hyperinflation

Abstract
The writer of this paper contends that despite the large amount of capital required to start an airline, the spotty record of profits in the industry historically, and the red tape that a prospective airline must go through in order to fly, the airline industry sees frequent new entrants and is thus highly competitive. The paper's author continues and states that airplanes themselves are relatively standardized, due to the engineering constraints of building machines that can fly, and due to the fact that there are only a small handful of manufacturers worldwide. So airlines differentiate themselves on three key features - price, service and routes. The paper's author examines the many factors that influence airline's decisions regarding operating procedures, service, routes and prices and attempts to evaluate the effects on airline profitability.

From the Paper
"Another factor in terms of both price/demand elasticity and in terms of overall demand is that of substitutes. This is particularly true in the business travel sector, and in short haul leisure travel. Any viable form of transportation is a substitute for air travel, be it car, train or bus. Electronic communications and overnight couriers combine to provide another substitute in the business travel segment. This equates to price in that there is a point at which a business trip becomes an unnecessary luxury to be replaced with a conference call. For vacation travel, a similar phenomenon applies, whereby an alternate form of transport can be substituted if plane travel is too expensive. These other modes are often cheaper anyway, but take longer. To fly is to pay a premium for convenience. Should the price of that convenience become too high, the flight will not be taken."

Tags:fuel, airline, regulation, prices, routes, government, financial, passengers, terrorism, labor, unions, services

Abstract
The paper provides an analysis of the airline industry in the USA and discusses its attractiveness from an economical point of view. In particular, the paper focuses on the two main competitors of American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines and their advantages. The paper then looks at the competitive advantages of American Airlines and the challenges and risks facing the company. The paper concludes with recommendations for the company to improve its strategies and thus ensure it maintains its position of market leader.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Analysis of the Industry
Analysis of Competitors
Firm Analysis
Recommendations

From the Paper
"The airline industry in the United States of America is a developed one and there is the possibility of further development. American Airlines is the biggest air carrier in the US and has numerous strategic advantages, such as the capacity to take millions of people to five continents on a very well organized schedule, proving them with all the desired comfort using safe planes and a well organized route network. The company must nevertheless face the competition represented amongst others, by Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. The major competitive advantages of these companies is represented by their capacity to take people to continents where American does not fly, such as Africa, their efficacious organization and their fare policies. "

Tags:Delta, Airlines, Northwest, Airlines, strategies

Abstract
Security has become the greatest concern of United States government since the terrorist attacks of September 11. But while enhanced security is desirable, the costs that are associated with it are unfortunately causing numerous financial problems for airlines in the United States. The aviation industry is already suffering from slow economic growth in the country and now with extra security expenditure, many airlines fear they will fail to post profit in the next few quarters. The paper discusses the rising cost of security and how it is hurting airline business in the United States. The paper also sheds light on general condition of airlines immediately after September 11, which helps in understanding why extra security costs are highly undesirable in these financially chaotic times.

Tags:security, airline, business

Abstract
This paper proposes a research project that analyzes deregulation of the airline industry. The paper explains that deregulation was designed to promote stronger competition and to ensure that there was no violation of antitrust laws, as it allowed the airlines to either enter or depart from any market and to control how they set their prices. The paper points out that this was a significant change for the airline industry, but it also contributed to some of the predatory and discriminatory prices that are being noticed. The paper gives as an example TransWorld Airlines (TWA), which had to file for bankruptcy. The paper concludes that, undoubtedly, there is much more that can be studied where predatory pricing and the airline industry is concerned, but most of it falls under the general hypothesis that appears in the paper's introduction.

Outline:
Introduction
Hypotheses
Review of Related Literature
Pricing Model
TWA - An Example
Methodology
Rationale
References

From the Paper
"That bright future began to take shape again in 1998, as the airline had gone through some reorganization and seemed to come out stronger than ever (Nicklaus, 2001). It even ordered 125 new aircraft in 1998, and was very optimistic about how the future was going to turn out, even though the problems of the past had been difficult for many individuals at the company to handle (Siddiqi, 2003). Unfortunately, TWA was once again plagued by financial problems and the company had to file for bankruptcy in 2001, which ended their 75-year history (Nicklaus, 2001). It was a sad day for the airline industry, but not entirely surprising based on all of the problems that TWA had had in the past and how many other airline companies had been forced to be bought out or had been forced to fold up and go away. TWA is by far not the only airline that has had to face these kinds of problems."

Tags:TWA, airlines, bankruptcy

Abstract
This paper discusses the ethical issues involved in the United Airlines case by which it has divested itself of its pension plans, as the leadership sought concessions from the unions in order to cut labor costs and so allow the airline to continue operating. It looks at how from the airline point of view, the issue was framed as saving jobs or closing the airline. For employees, though, the issue involved a breach of trust as the airline eliminated the pension system it had maintained.

From the Paper
"The recent restructuring of employment agreements by United Airlines raises a number of ethical questions as well as business issues and the possibility of future regulatory issues. United Airlines reached the point of bankruptcy, or at least claimed that it was facing bankruptcy, and to forestall this conclusion of the company, the leadership sought concessions from the unions in order to cut labor costs and so allow the airline to continue operating. From the airline point of view, the issue was framed as saving jobs or closing the airline. For employees, though, the issue involved a breach of trust as the airline eliminated the pension system it had maintained. The issue is not solved by the fact that a federal court allowed this change, and indeed this fact only creates clear in others about what the government will allow an industry to do with funds entrusted to company pension plans across the country."

Tags:united, airlines, pensions

Abstract
The writer of this paper analyzes the on-going success of Southwest Airlines which continues to remain a leader in the industry during an era when more and more airlines are facing closure and bankruptcy. This paper delves into the numerous crises faced by Southwest Airlines which the company has successfully managed to weather. The writer delves into the history of the company which began in 1971 with only three aircrafts while also discussing the company's primary goals and vision. This well-researched paper analyzes the business ethics and corporate structure of Southwest which states that their employees are hardworking, dedicated and highly motivated and a significant contributing factor to the company's overall success. This paper also contains the results of published studies as well as statistics and data relevant to this particular topic.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
An Overview of the Business Ethics of Southwest Airlines
How Southwest Airlines Handles the Various Crises
The Ethical Responsibility of Southwest Today and for the Future
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Donna Conover, the executive Vice President of Customer services, states that ever since she joined the company, more than twenty eight years back, she had always felt that the employees of the company were the greatest assets for the firm, and perhaps it is because of the policy that the company follows, which is that of never ever dictating pay cuts to its employees, that it has managed to keep all its employees happy and satisfied, and working hard at all times. This was seen in the fact that employees by themselves, during the Gulf War of the 1990's, when fuel costs skyrocketed, voluntarily reduced their pay for some time in order to cope with the escalating costs of fuel. In a similar manner, after the debacle of September 11, Southwest Airlines employees volunteered to take cut costs on their wages, so that the company may be able to cope better with its reductions in flying schedules. This type of loyalty for the company has as yet been unrivalled."

Tags:business, employees, labor, practice, applied, operations, airline, industry, finance

Abstract
In this essay, the economic implications of the airline industry are examined. The writer discusses the background of the airline industry. Further, the writer looks at planning and policy implications. Domestic and international airline markets are explored in this paper. The writer discusses the impact of deregulation on the airline industry. The issue of foreign capital investment and related security issues are also discussed. The writer looks at the role of the federal government in this regard.

From the Paper
"The air transport industry is one of the most highly competitive in the world despite significant barriers to entry, arising from the large capital outlays required to purchase operate and maintain aircraft. As demand for international air travel has increased, alliances have been formed among domestic carriers as well as among international carriers. The result is that the market as a whole underwent a period of consolidation, which brought new pressure to bear on government regulators and which prompted some critics of the ... "

Tags:transportation, airlines, airline industry