Strategies of Low-Cost Carriers

Category	Strategy
On-board operations	Optimum use of seating space. Minimal crew. Limited and paying cabin service.
Aircraft operations	Few (often one) types of aircraft used to minimize maintenance costs. Stair boarding instead of air bridges. Maximal usage of runway length (take-off thrust and braking on landing). Fast turn around to maximize aircraft use. No freight being carried.
Service network	Point-to-point services. Destinations commonly of less than two hours apart. Usage of secondary airports (lower usage rates).
Booking	Online booking to minimize transaction costs. No travel agent commissions.

Source: adapted from Graham, B. and T. Vowles (2006) �Carriers within carriers: a strategic response to low-cost airline competition�, Transport Reviews, Vol. 26, pp. 105-126.