America West Essay, Research Paper
America West Airlines
America West Airlines has influenced their customers’ buyer behavior with a not so pleasant track record. The airline industry is a service that satisfies customer needs for traveling. Whether for business or leisure the airline industry is an increasingly growing business. If companies are not able to compete with their rivals in an already overly competitive market, then they will not benefit financially. The market segments that we will be discussing are the business traveler and the vacation traveler. The benefits between the markets are similar between the two segments. I will discuss some recommendations that could benefit the company. Most importantly, delivering the view of the consumer and what a consumer should expect from an airline. Determining a result depends on these components. This paper will discuss some of these problems and resolutions.
The airline industry started out as a luxury item. Business travel has changed this industry to a necessity. As we become a global economy and communication between international companies is a key tool, travel has increased dramatically. The vacation traveler has always had the need for the airline industry. Satisfying the customer needs today involves competitive rates along with convenience of booking flights and benefits with those flights. America West Airlines has not able to provide a quality service lately.
The business travelers need competitive rates for travel. The marketing mix for business people consists of the actual flights, pricing, where and how it is promoted, and finally its distribution. America West has low-fares marketed to meet the business and travelers’ needs. This full-service airline is a coast-to-coast route system and includes most major destinations across the US, with additional destinations in Mexico and Canada. America West utilizes its Phoenix and Las Vegas connections as gateways for travel throughout its destinations. America West has a code-sharing agreement with Continental, which was the first extensive alliance of its kind between two carriers. The company also has a code-sharing agreement with Mesa Airlines and Air Midwest. Some of the marketing strategy involves sponsorship with sports teams. Between these different affiliations, America West uses this in part for distribution and marketing.
Some of the problems with this industry are personally experienced. The airline has a difficult time being punctual. This is lately a norm in the industry, although, it is avoided by other companies. The airline industry historically fluctuates in response to general economic conditions that are present. The airline industry is sensitive to changes in economic conditions that affect business and leisure travel. The industry is highly susceptible to situations that result in declines in air travel, such as political instability, regional hostilities, recession, fuel price escalation, inflation, adverse weather conditions, consumer preferences, labor instability or regulatory oversight. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year, because the travel business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to the greater demand for business and leisure travel during the summer months, revenues in the airline industry for business and leisure travel in the second and third quarters is typically greater than revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year. This has an overall impact on the industry.
The next phase is making recommendations for the company. The recommendat
The company could use a marketing strategy that would involve informing the customer how they gave the company a facelift. The company could address the fact that they have had punctual issues and resolved the situation by offering half-price tickets if they do not meet the customers next flight schedule. Also, by providing proof that the company has met and exceeded all of the maintenance issues. Another idea to market the company could be to offer group rates for companies that fly other airlines. Stealing the competitions business. The airline could offer a free oil change service for the customer’s car while they are out on a trip. Offering a special on tickets that wee booked in advance. Tying these new strategies with the arrival of new aircraft purchasing plan could be a great design In July 2000 the company announced firm orders for new aircraft to be delivered in 2001. The aircraft represent the exercise of four of America West Airline’s existing option rights under its 1999 aircraft purchase agreement. In the third quarter of 2000, the company also entered into aircraft lease arrangements for new aircraft, with lease terms ranging from 12 to 22 years.
The types of media that would deliver the message effectively would be television commercials during prime time, of course Internet banners on web sites that are viewed by travelers, at convention halls via posters, and finally, using radio adds. These tools would provide plenty of exposure.
When a company admits they have had some issues and addressed them, this gains respect from the customers. Providing a service that defines industry instead of following it will bring America West Airlines to the top. Another tool that America West Airlines has done is joined with several other companies who enjoy fully integrated partner programs. The Blue Jackets are partners along with Columbia Gas, the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dispatch Media Group, Dominion Homes, Fox Sports Net, Nextel Communications, and Ticket master, Time Warner Communications, Verizon. This type of partnership brings marketing by providing involvement. One more idea is to use all the affiliates for surveys and incorporate what other corporations want from an airline. With these efforts combined, bringing the consumer back to America West Airlines and having them set the standard will bring them continued sales.
With influencing the customers’ behavior to the new benefits America West Airlines will have a prosperous business. The airline industry is a very important commodity. Offering a great product to the marketing mix will provide the necessary customers. Working through their problems is the best solution. Creating the right marketing strategy is key. Once these factors of the equation are all brought together, America West Airlines will dominate the market.