PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Over capacity in the Low Cost Sector - Discuss
Old 11th September 2003 | 22:13
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AJ
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 244
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From: UK
Yes, I think the bubble will evetually burst in the sense that many of the low-cost airlines with us now will either close up shop or be absorbed by someone else - it's already happened in the UK with Go and Buzz.

Having said that, I still think:

1) There is still plenty of market left - especially with eastern Europe, and the enlargement of the EU next May to incorporate 10 new countries

2) The low-cost market is here to stay - some airlines will disappear, but a few strong players (perhaps some of those existing now) will continue to be immensely profitable and popular

I can't help comparing the situation now with what occurred in the US after deregulation. Of course, Europe still has its state-owned players, but these are struggling.

I wouldn't like to put any figures on it, but I'm fairly certain some downsizing will occur in the future.
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