low-cost chic airline for UK/Europe...?

[jon#1]

Is there anyone on here that would be interested in helping me with my dream ambition of setting-up a 'low-cost, but chic' airline for Europe? I have found a sample business plan, which I am currently converting into my own to cover the ideas/plans that I have, but I need the help of other budding entreprenuers and/or experts that can help as I am going to need to approach a number of investors in order to get the finance required.

Ok, so you are probably thinking is "Why do I want to set up an airline?" Well there are a number of reasons as to why. Firstly, I have had a passion for aviation for quite a while now, and I like the fact that it is such a dynamic industry (no one day is the same!). I also strongly admire the likes of people such as Sir Richard Branson, who set up Virgin Atlantic. And finally, I am soon to graduate from university with a Foundation Degree in Airline and Airport Operations.

Not convinced? Well, here is some information from the business plan that might be able to convince you otherwise:

As you know, the air travel industry is dominated by the major carriers, and like so many other industries it has quickly evolved into an industry that has room only for major players and smaller "niche" participants.

There are two specialty segments that have characteristically been exploited by new entrants. One is the "price" niche and the other is the "route" niche. One focuses on charging less, the other on providing either the only service between two given points (the "feeder" concept) or else superior or more convenient or less costly service between two heavily traveled destinationss.

In today's marketplace "price" positioning is no longer a sufficient concept on which to build an airline, and now the flying public has been inundated with low fares they have become bit of an expectation.

Thus, I believe that there is an opportunity within the European market to offer a combination of service, price and route selection. As such, there has been a number of start-up airlines (JetBlue in US, Starflyer in Japan) that emphasise on providing a high-quality service, but still offering a fairly low-cost fare. Although these fares are not as low as the likes of EasyJet or Ryanair, the value of the fare truly reflects the service provided. Eventually, the major low-cost carriers are going to find it difficult to develop their services without offering higher fares.

Please feel free to post below or send me an e-mail (jonathan_mark_davies@hotmail.com) if you are interested, or if you can offer any advice, suggestions that maybe able to help me.

[Cush]

I have the same passion as you do with the love of aviation and flight. However, if you do more research you will discover that Europe is currently over-saturated with discount carriers and you will see that some will shut down within a short time period.

[jon#1]

I have the same passion as you do with the love of aviation and flight. However, if you do more research you will discover that Europe is currently over-saturated with discount carriers and you will see that some will shut down within a short time period.

Hi Cush,

Glad to see that there is someone else who shares the same passion for aviation!

I am already aware that Europe may seem to be over-saturated with discount carriers, and I would have to agree with you on this point. However, as you said 'some will shut down within a short time', and this will be because they have no-way of developing their services (because most don't offer any!), other than offering more routes...so the likes of big-name carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair are going to find it exteremley hard in the coming few years (we are talking 10-15 years time here, mind!). I am committed to this project, and want to be prepared for when this happens, so that I can get into the market...

And secondly, there are several airports within the UK that I am considering operating from, as they have little to no competition at all on the routes I wish to serve.

Any other advice would be greatfully accepted.

[akhan]

Hey Jon - It would cost millions to start-up an airline, have you sourced sufficeint funds to make your dreeam come true?

[Nick]

Ok, so you are probably thinking is "Why do I want to set up an airline?"

No. I was thinking what experience do you have that anyone would be willing to lend you the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars required to start an airline?

As you know, the air travel industry is dominated by the major carriers, and like so many other industries it has quickly evolved into an industry that has room only for major players and smaller "niche" participants.

I'm no expert, but it is my understanding that the European airline industry does not have room for anymore airlines, niche or otherwise, which is why we have seen significant consolidation over the past years.

I don't mean this post to be overly harsh, because dreams are great and you should aspire to own your own airline one day, but at the moment you need a reality check. Noone in the entire world is going to lend you the money. You need a team with vast amounts of experience- green with a degree just doesn't cut it.

[adamg]

easyjet have already conquered the market in Europe

[YPAL]

I don't think there is much demand for an airline that offers slightly better service than the low cost carriers but with the inevitable increase in fair price. When I fly from Manchester to City airport I couldn't care less what the service level is like, the coffee tastes crap on any flight and as long as the air hostess gives a smile and wishes me a nice day i'm happy. I don't think people would pay extra for the 35 minutes they are in the air.

[Tommy Boy]

And secondly, there are several airports within the UK that I am considering operating from, as they have little to no competition at all on the routes I wish to serve.

You also have to ask yourself, if there are these 7 other airports which have little competition, why dont the already established airlines fly from there? There must be a good reason for this.

Eg. They may not be able to get the flights direct from these airports to other european cities as it could prove expensive.

[ACMAir]

I'm going to attempt a similar goal but in continental United States. Jon#1 please PM me.

[cybergift]

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