Possible Problems in Air Arabia's Future - Essay Example

15 June 2008 Possible Problems in Air Arabia's Future With increased competition in world airlines, Air Arabia, the first in the Middle East to offer low fares, has benefited from their decision to enter the low-cost market. However, because of growing competition by other airlines now offering low fares-namely, Jazeera, Sama and Nas Air, Air Arabia must find new ways of decreasing their costs in order to offer the lowest prices (Zawya). The growing credit crunch and yet higher fuel prices are predicted to cause a downturn in the airline industry for 2008 after a profit was finally realized in 2007.

The airlines will therefore be forced to improve efficiency (Air 22). Much of the air traffic activity in the Middle East is from the U.S. and Europe tourist trade, where travelers are more affected by high oil prices than are local travelers. Low-cost airlines have been able to supply routes previously unserved or underserved by traditional network airlines, with local customers taking advantage of low cost. What are the factors that allow an airline to compete successfully with ticket prices It is necessary for an airline like Air Arabia to look to their competition and find ways to offer lower prices than any other airline and still maintain customer satisfaction (Sector; Air).

Strategies at Air Arabia to Reduce Ticket PricesSome of the methods recommended for low-cost airlines utilized by Air Arabia are:1. "No frills" services such as not serving food on board or by charging customers for food and drink. Air Arabia maintains competitive pricing by offering a single class with a simple fare structure, and by charging money for on-board food, drinks, and headsets through agreements with various companies to sell consumer items on board, thereby providing a good complimentary income to the low cost model.

By focusing on short direct flights, it might not even be necessary to offer food at all (Air 19).2. Usage of secondary alternate city airports, point-to-point services, and expanded routes directed at migrants who need low-cost prices in order to travel where work is most plentiful (Air 27)3. Creating package deals through cooperation with hotels and car rental companies. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing as strong tourist destinations, particularly Dubai., and even though Air Arabia is based in Abu Dhabi, they can benefit from the tourist industry.

Air Arabia is going one step further by planning construction of a 300-room, 3-star hotel in the vicinity of Sharjah Airport (Air 32).4. Although the Internet plays a major role in Air Arabia's business plan, they are still dependent on the travel agencies, and they must utilize electronic ticketing and non-cash payment methods to lessen their dependence and maintain low prices. Without the travel company as a middle man, ticket prices can be lowered. Air Arabia is improving online services (Air 22).

Works CitedAir Arabia PJSC: Last Call for Take Off. Prime Group. 2008. 15 June 2008. http://www.airarabia.com/documents/AirArabiaFY07.pdfSector Coverage Team. Air Arabia Equity Research. ShuaaCapital. 12 March 2007. 14 June 2007. http://www.ameinfo.com/shuaa_pdf/EquityResearch/2007-03-13.pdfZawya. Air Arabia: Priced So That You Can Fly. EFG-Hermes. 28 June 2007. 14 June 2008. http://cm2.zawya.com/researchreports/efg/20070701_efg_110604.pdf