THE CONCEPT OF A BUSINESS MODEL FOR AN AIR CARRIER IN SLOVAKIA

Abstract

Determining the operating airline's business model is among the strategic decision, particularly for emerging airlines. A suitable and correct business model is an essential prerequisite for the company to establish itself in the market and be competitive successfully. This paper aims to design a specific business model for an air carrier, considered a national air carrier in Slovakia. Slovakia currently has no national air carrier, which would contribute to the development of passenger air transport and would reflect the domestic population's current needs and help increase inbound tourism. The main goal of the designed air carrier is to contribute to the development of air transport in Slovakia and transport a higher number of air passengers, reaching at least an average increments as in other European Union countries. This study proposes a business model framework applied to the conditions of Slovakia, which analyzes the main trends identified in the literature for designing business models for airlines abroad. In examining various studies, we have identified aspects of business models and the main models used by airlines abroad. We used general methods to process information and assess current trends in air transport. In the study, we apply the list method and the inventory method, focusing on new trends and process management methods in the aviation industry. Finally, we developed a business model for a potential air carrier operating in Slovakia from the acquired knowledge.