The U.S. Airline Industry Since 1978

The purpose of this study is to analyze the U.S. airline industry since 1978 and identify and discuss the development of the industry. This is a case study which focuses on analyzing and measuring both progress and changes in the U.S. airline industry. It seems the U.S. airline industry was volatile during late 70s, 80s, and 90s due to airline deregulation that introduced many low cost carriers (LCCs). The industry also went through many mergers and acquisitions over the last two decades. There are four major airlines share 80 percent of the market and the rest of the market is shared by a small number of LLCs. Although the U.S. airlines went through the cycle of fierce competition, bankruptcies, and mergers and acquisitions, but the airlines, especially those four major airlines, are making the record profits today. However, there is a public suspicion of the four major airlines and their business practices.