The Evolution of the Low-Cost Carriers in Australia’s International Air Freight Market

Abstract

This study examines the development of the low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Australia’s export and import air freight markets. The study period is from 2004 to 2020. The study used a qualitative instrumental case study research approach. The data gathered for the study was examined by document analysis. The study found that the development of the low-cost carriers (LCCs) share of Australia’s annual export and import air freight markets occurred in three distinct phases. In the initial phase, 2004-2005, the market was served by just one low-cost carrier (LCC) Pacific Blue Airlines, who did not transport any export or import air freight in 2004. In 2005, the airline made a strategic policy decision to transport air freight. Phase 2 saw the inception of international services by Jetstar Airways in 2006. Jetstar Airways immediately gained import and export air freight traffic. The third phases took place from 2007 to 2020, when the major Asia-based low-cost carriers entered the market, starting with AirAsia-X in 2007. The low-cost carriers (LCCs) annual air freight market growth rates oscillated substantially over the study period, particularly for export air freight traffic. Despite the strong growth, the low-cost carriers (LCCs) annual market export and import air freight shares are considerably lower than those of the dedicated all-cargo carriers and full-service networks carriers (FSNCs).