Example Porter’s Five Forces Model: Airline Industry

Here is an example Porter’s five forces model for the airline industry. It is designed as a helpful thought starter for your further analysis.


Porter’s Five Forces Analysis of the Airline Industry

1. Threat of New Entrants:

  • High capital investment and operational costs act as major barriers to entry.
  • Strict regulatory requirements and safety standards are challenging to meet.
  • Brand loyalty and established routes favor existing airlines.
  • Economies of scale are difficult to achieve for new entrants.
  • Access to prime airport slots is limited, giving an advantage to established players.

2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers:

  • Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have high bargaining power due to limited number of suppliers.
  • Fuel suppliers also wield significant power due to price volatility.
  • Airport services and ground handling are critical, with varying degrees of supplier power depending on the region.
  • Skilled labor, including pilots and technicians, have considerable bargaining power.
  • Technology suppliers for booking and reservation systems are critical, influencing their power.

3. Bargaining Power of Buyers:

  • Customers have high bargaining power due to the availability of numerous airline choices.
  • Price sensitivity is high, with customers often choosing flights based on price.
  • Loyalty programs have limited impact on reducing buyer power.
  • Online platforms and comparison tools increase transparency and buyer power.
  • Corporate clients and travel agencies have significant bargaining power due to bulk buying.

4. Threat of Substitute Products:

  • For short-haul routes, alternative transportation like trains and buses pose a threat.
  • Advancements in telecommunication technology, like video conferencing, reduce the need for business travel.
  • High-speed rail networks in certain regions provide a competitive alternative.
  • Private charter services and low-cost carriers offer alternatives within the industry.
  • Environmental concerns and sustainable travel trends can shift preferences towards greener alternatives.

5. Competitive Rivalry within the Industry:

  • Highly competitive with numerous international, regional, and low-cost carriers.
  • Price wars and frequent promotional offers are common.
  • Alliances and partnerships among airlines impact competitive dynamics.
  • Competition for premium passengers and lucrative routes is intense.
  • Market saturation in some regions leads to increased competitive pressure.

Sources and External Reading

  • The Five Forces – Michael Porter – An overview of the Five Forces framework by Michael Porter, explaining its importance in understanding competitive forces in an industry.
  • The Five Forces Framework – Harvard Business Publishing Education – Harvard Business Publishing provides a collection of materials for teaching about the Five Forces, including simulations.
  • The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy – Harvard Business School’s detailed article on how competitive forces shape strategy, based on Michael Porter’s original work.
  • Porter’s Five Forces – Research Guides at Baruch College – A resource guide from Baruch College on Porter’s Five Forces, including its application in industry analysis and strategy formulation.
  • Porter’s Five Forces – Business Research — Industry Analysis – UCF Libraries – University of Central Florida’s guide on Porter’s Five Forces, offering insights into the model and its application in industry analysis.
Scroll to Top