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BUSM242
GROUP PROJECT
The Airline Industry in The UK is the main subject of the market segmentation research. The
airline industry in the United Kingdom represents a crucial sector of the nation's economy,
facilitating both domestic and international travel and trade. The sector, which is dominated
by large airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and British Airways, is marked by intense rivalry and
a wide variety of market participants. As the flag airline, British Airways continues to be a
major player in the industry with a wide network of both local and international flights
("British Airways," n.d.). On the other hand, low-cost airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair also
contribute significantly, stimulating competition with their aggressive price strategies and
extensive route networks ("About easyJet," n.d.; "About Us," n.d.).
The sector has several difficulties, including fluctuating fuel costs, environmental issues, and
interruptions brought on by world events. The demand for sustainable practices and
emissions reduction initiatives is driven by environmental concerns, but volatile fuel costs
can have a substantial influence on operating expenditures (International Air Transport
Association [IATA], 2020). Additionally, unforeseen events like pandemics or political
unrest, such as those that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, can severely disrupt
travel plans and sources of income.
PESTLE:-
Political Factors:
The UK airline industry is subject to a range of political factors that have a profound impact
on how it operates and is segmented. These factors include government regulations governing
aviation, which can shape the way airlines are structured and managed, as well as safety
requirements that have a direct bearing on the airline's policies and procedures. Additionally,
the taxation policies set by governments can also have a significant impact on the airline
industry and its segmentation, as airlines are often required to pay substantial fees for various
services and facilities. Overall, the influence of political factors on the UK airline industry
cannot be underestimated, and airlines need to navigate this complex and ever-changing
landscape if they are to succeed in this competitive market ("The Future of UK Aviation,"
2018). Regulatory changes following Brexit may impact airlines' segmentation strategies due
to implications for air traffic rights and access to markets. Moreover, regulatory frameworks
have been impacted by the prolonged uncertainty around Brexit, which has raised concerns
about safety standards and air traffic rights (Cento & Pagliari, 2020).
Economic Factors:
The UK airline industry is highly dependent on economic variables when it comes to market
segmentation. Economic indices such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and consumer
expenditure have a profound impact on the demand for and purchasing power of air travel.
These variables significantly influence how airlines segment their markets based on factors
such as age, income, and travel frequency. The airline industry must constantly monitor and
adapt to these economic changes to ensure that they can effectively meet the demands of their
customers (Gudmundsson & Neufville, 2012). Budget airlines or discretionary travel may be
preferred by customers during economic downturns, which forces airlines to modify their
segmentation strategy to target price-sensitive segments (Gudmundsson & Neufville, 2012).
Additionally, fuel prices, exchange rates, and labour costs significantly impact airlines'
operational expenses and profitability. Market segments with varying travel preferences and
affordability levels can emerge due to economic disparities between regions, which
necessitates tailored marketing approaches (Papatheodorou & Arvanitis, 2015). To segment
the market within the UK airline industry, businesses must be able to quickly adapt to
changes in the economy. Economic factors play a key role in this process. For this reason, it
is important to respond with agility to economic shifts.
Social Factors:
Social factors play a crucial role in shaping market segmentation within the UK airline
industry. Many consumer sectors' travel choices and behaviours are influenced by shifting
cultural trends, lifestyles, and demography (Alegre & Pou, 2006). As the population ages or
as more millennials start to travel, the market segments in the travel industry can become
more diverse with varying preferences and needs. These changes in demographics can lead to
a shift in the way travel and tourism businesses market and cater to these different segments.
Understanding these distinct groups with unique characteristics is crucial for developing
effective strategies that can help businesses thrive and succeed in the industry (IATA, 2020).
Social factors also include cultural norms and values, which impact travel choices while
creating marketing campaigns and service offers. These considerations can include
preferences for particular places or travel experiences (Alegre & Pou, 2006). Fundamentally,
social variables are important aspects that influence market segmentation in the airline sector
in the United Kingdom. Therefore, a thorough grasp of customer behaviour and preferences
is necessary.
Technological Factors:
The UK airline industry is heavily influenced by technological factors that continue to shape
market segmentation strategies. The sector is constantly evolving, and airlines must adapt to remain
competitive. Technological advancements have played a significant role in this evolution, affecting
both passenger expectations and industry operations(Feldman, 2019). For instance, the widespread
availability of online booking platforms and mobile applications has empowered consumers with
greater convenience and flexibility when booking flights. This has led to the emergence of tech-
savvy traveller segments who expect a seamless travel experience and streamlined processes
(O'Connor & Frew, 2010). Furthermore, the aviation industry is constantly evolving, with new
developments in aircraft design that include fuelefficient planes and advanced in-flight
entertainment systems. These innovations allow airlines to cater to specific market segments by
providing improved comfort and amenities, as noted by Lasserre (2017). Moreover, thanks to
advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence, airlines can personalize their marketing
efforts and tailor their services to individual preferences, thereby refining their market segmentation
strategies, as pointed out by Feldman in 2019. In the UK airline industry, technological factors
constantly drive innovation and evolution. Airlines tailor their market segmentation strategies to
meet the demands of tech-savvy consumers.
Environmental Factors:
Given the increased emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility,
environmental considerations have a considerable impact on market segmentation within the
UK aviation business. Airlines have been adjusting their marketing strategies due to
heightened concern over carbon emissions and climate change. This is because the aviation
sector is now under scrutiny for its environmental impact. To address this issue, airlines are
reviewing their segmentation strategies (Gössling et al., 2017). In recent times, there has been
a significant increase in the number of eco-conscious consumers. As a result, airlines that
have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability have become
more popular. This includes airlines that implement carbon offset programs or invest in
biofuels to reduce their impact on the environment. These initiatives are highly valued by
environmentally conscious consumers, who are keen to make choices that align with their
values (Gössling et al., 2017). Moreover, with the help of advancements in aircraft
technology, such as the development of eco-friendly and more fuel-efficient planes have
enabled airlines to target environmentally conscious customers (Forsyth et al., 2019).
Legal Factors:
Legal factors have a significant influence on how the UK airline industry divides its market.
Regulatory frameworks and market dynamics are shaped by compliance with aviation laws
and regulations, including safety standards, security protocols, and consumer protection laws.
For airlines operating in the UK, complying with these regulations is essential (Bock &
Timmermann, 2019). Changes in legislation, such as those related to Brexit or updates to air
travel regulations, can impact airlines' operational procedures and market segmentation
strategies (Cento & Pagliari, 2020). The UK airline industry is heavily influenced by legal
factors, which play a crucial role in shaping market segmentation. To stay competitive and
compliant, airlines must adhere to strict regulatory requirements and keep up with legal
developments. It is important to make strategic adaptations that are in line with the constantly
changing legal landscape. Failing to do so can have significant consequences, which is why
legal compliance is a top priority for all players in the industry.
Figure 1 shows the airline industry's major challengers.
Ryanair:
Ryanair is a prominent low-cost airline recognized for its efficient business model and cost-
effective services. The business was established in Ireland in 1984 and has since greatly increased
the scope of its activities, providing services to more than 200 locations in 40 countries. Ryanair's
success can be ascribed to its emphasis on providing low-cost flights, cutting costs, and varying its
sources of revenue. With a sizable client base worldwide, Ryanair has established itself as the
biggest low-cost airline in Europe. The airline connects more than 168 locations with over 1500
flights per day from about 51 bases. Having a solid financial structure and substantial 2.5-
billioneuro liquid cash reserves, Ryanair is well-positioned to grow even in recessionary times.
Ryanair's prominent position in the UK airline business has been cemented by its robust market
presence, emphasis on cost leadership, and dedication to providing reasonably priced travel options.
Emirates:
Emirates, a leading global aviation company based in Dubai and part of the Emirates Group, is
positioning itself as an influential force in the airline industry. With the UK providing 26% of
Emirates' overall capacity and 56% of its total profit from Europe, the UK is a vital component of
the airline's operations. The airline uses Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft to provide flights to
major UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. It offers first-class amenities and
services to its passengers. Emirates views the UK as a crucial market that generates significant
revenue, especially from its routes that connect to important areas including the Middle East, South
Asia, and East Asia. Strategically crucial, Emirates' robust UK presence draws a sizable client base
and boosts its European profitability considerably.
Virgin Atlantic:
Virgin Atlantic, a renowned British airline, commenced operations in 1984, during a period of
economic prosperity in the UK founder, Sir Richard Branson's brand appeals serves domestic and
international routes, holiday packages and cargo services. The company is based in Crawley, West
Sussex, UK. Virgin Atlantic's financial performance in 2022 was reported at £2.9 billion, which
represents a 98% recovery from 2019 levels. The business concluded the year with a healthy cash
position of £399 million and an underlying EBITDA of £310 million. Virgin Atlantic hopes to turn a
profit in 2024 following a strong recovery in 2022, despite obstacles like the Omicron version and
worldwide uncertainty impacting fuel pricing and supply chains.
British Airways:
British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC, founded in 1939), British European Airways (BEA,
founded in 1946), and its affiliated companies merged to form a British air transport corporation in
April 1974. Global Data states that British Airways has a 45% market share in the UK and a market
capitalization of £1,505.48 million. In terms of foreign flights, overseas destinations, and fleet size,
the airline is the biggest in the United Kingdom. The airline has its headquarters located in London
and its key hub at Heathrow Airport. In 2022, the airline brought in £3,693 million in revenue and
made £1,900 million in net profits. Legacy carriers and low-cost airlines compete with British
Airways in the UK market.
TUI Airways:
TUI Airways, formerly known as Thomson Airways, is the world's largest charter airline and part of
the TUI Group, a multinational tourism company headquartered in Germany. It's a prominent
leisure airline operating in the UK market. According to the sources, the TUI Group, which includes
TUI Airways, serves around 21 million customers globally, has a presence in 268 direct and indirect
subsidiaries across the world. In the UK leisure travel market. The airline's marketing strategies
focus on offering flexible and personalized travel options, catering to the changing preferences of
travelers.
EASY JET:
The airline was established in 1995 from Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannoutown, In the Lutenin, United
Kingdom as the place to start his mission of offering low-fare flights in Europe. Offering vacation
packages in addition to short-haul passenger aircraft services. In the fiscal year 2024, EasyJet hopes
to raise its share of the UK market from 5% to 7%, which would be a major increase in its footprint.
Utilizing a contemporary fleet of Airbus aircraft, including the A319, A320, A320 neo, and A321
neo, the airline offers economical and effective travel choices. With £8.17 billion in revenue (TTM)
and £324.00 million in net income (TTM), EasyJet PLC is a profitable company.
The corporation operates with a fleet of about 336 airplanes spanning 36 countries and 155 airports
and employs roughly 15.94k people.
Figure 2 shows the airline industry's Market share, Passengers, Employers, Brand Positioning and Flight
Services. (All the unites are researched via Statista, 2022 -23 & Statista 2023-24)
Figure 3 - Size of leading UK airports as a percentage share of passengers to all UK airports from 2015 to
2021
AGE OF RESPONDENTS
14 13
12
10
8
8
6
4
4
0
20-25 25-55 Above 55
16 %
32 %
52 %
AGE ANNUAL INCOME (IN GBP)
Below 25000 25000-30000 30000-35000 Above 35000
20-25 7 1 - -
25-55 1 3 4 5
Above 55 - - - 4
Demographic Questions
Upon studying the cumulative responses to all questions across 25 interviews, we spotted the
various age groups to be the most defining differentiator of behaviours. Hence, we
categorized them as shown in the table below.
Kindly note, the age groups are also representative of the employment status of the groups, i.e.,
students, employed and retired respectively.
Skybound Millennials
The young adults of age group 20-25 entail the first demographic of our segmentation basis.
Consisting of students, the behaviours of young adults are largely mutually exclusive of the other 2
segments. Often on a timely allowance from family and income from student jobs, pricing is the
strongest driver of their decisions when it comes to flying. From the interviews conducted it was
seen that students greatly favour reliable budget airlines i.e., Ryanair and
EasyJet. They fly only a few times (3-4) annually, either to visit family or take a holiday if
and when they can afford the time and money. One interviewee mentioned “as an
international student, being in the UK on a deadline, affordable travelling and exploring is a
big part of our psyche.”
Contrary to intuition, students were found to prefer shorter, direct albeit pricier flights as
opposed to connecting, cheaper flights. A plausible rationale is students tend to travel heavy
on baggage and find ease in having to handle their baggage and security checks at a
minimum. On those lines, young adults base their flight of choice on the baggage allowance,
price permitting. As one interviewee said, “moving away from families, we naturally need to
pack everything that sustains our lifestyle and appreciate every extra KG of baggage
allowed”. They’re not overly intrigued by airline loyalty programs since they travel seldom
and care highest about the cost of travel. Their decisions are cost-effective and hold budget
airlines in very good regard for providing them economic and contentful flights. A common
response of ‘complimentary beverages’ was observed when asked what extra the airlines can
do to enhance their experience.
Golden Flyers
The final segment shows the nature of senior and retired people of society. Owing to
retirement benefits and savings, they have a good pool of disposable income. Thus, they
generally prefer highly reliable and comfortable home airlines like British Airways. One
retired man said, “In all my experiences in the air, I can’t care about anything more than
comfort and timely procedures.” They travel the least of all 3 segments (twice a year on
average), mostly for a small holiday or visiting family. They’re flexible with shorter, direct
flights and longer, connecting flights. However, barring the price, comfort commands their
choice of flight.
Similar to young adults, they don’t find loyalty programs appealing since they hardly fly.
They browse equally at both 3rd party websites and directly from airlines’ website to find their
suitable option, often overlooking budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. They prefer
comfort and ease most and tend to choose flights that best suit their lifestyle.
Section D: Appendix
Interview Protocol
References:
Alegre, J., & Pou, L. (2006). An analysis of the relevance of age as a segmentation variable in
the
Spanish air transport market. Journal of Air Transport Management, 12(4), 182-185.
Bock, S., & Timmermann, S. (2019). The impact of Brexit on the European and UK aviation
markets. Journal of Air Transport Management, 78, 112-123.
Cento, A., & Pagliari, R. (2020). Brexit and aviation: Impact on the UK and EU27 markets.
Research in Transportation Business & Management, 35, 100465.
Data from Eurostat, as cited in Ryanair Holdings plc. (2022). Annual Report 2022. Dublin,
Ireland: Ryanair Holdings plc.
Easyjet PLC. (2023). Results for the 12 months ending 30th September 2023
Emirates. (n.d.). About Emirates. Retrieved from https://www.emirates.com/english/about/
Feldman, J. (2019). The Future of Airline Distribution, Digital, and Retailing Capabilities in
2019 and Beyond.
Forsyth, P., Gillen, D., & Müller, J. (2019). Aviation emissions and their impact on the
atmosphere.
Journal of Air Transport Management, 75, 36-43.
Gudmundsson, S. V., & Neufville, R. D. (2012). Airline economics: Foundations for strategy
and policy. Routledge.
International Air Transport Association. (2020). COVID-19: Impact on the aviation industry.
Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/c81222d96c9a4e0bb4ff6ced0126f0bb/
iataannual-review2020.pdf
O'Connell, J. F., & Williams, G. (2018). Ryanair: how a network carrier penetrates the
lowcost carrier market. In Strategic Management and Marketing in the Service Sector (pp.
145158). Emerald Publishing Limited.
O'Connor, P., & Frew, A. J. (2010). Airlines' strategic responses to the development of online
technologies: A focus on low-cost carriers. Journal of Air Transport Management, 16(6), 322-
329.
Papatheodorou, A., & Arvanitis, P. (2015). Aviation markets: Studies in competition and
regulatory reform. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
Group Number: 17
Please list all your group members, including yourself, by name in the tables below (left column) and then
tick (x) the appropriate boxes for each group member.
Time Management
Group Member Completed all of Completed most Completed Completed less Completed none Completed none
their tasks on of their tasks on around than half of of their tasks on of
time time half of their tasks their tasks on time their tasks
on time
time
Vansh Jain
Dikshil Jain
Joy Jain
Omshree Ghatge
Shlok Bohra
Arpita Jaiswal
Quality of work
Group Member Consistently Usually produced Some of the work Work tended to Work tended to No work
produced high quality work produced was of be of average be of poor quality produced
high quality high quality
work quality
Vansh Jain
Dikshil Jain
Joy Jain
Omshree Ghatge
Shlok Bohra
Arpita Jaiswal
We confirm that all members of our group have reached the above consensus: