Strategic Analysis of SkyWest

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General Environment Analysis The US Airlines Industry was going through a tough time during the period of 2004 - 2006. Major Airlines, such as United and Continental were trying to consolidate in order to survive. US net losses include $6.1 billion restructuring costs in 2006 [Exhibit 2, Source]. With several major airlines filing for bankruptcy, it was even more difficult for the regional airlines, which were primarily dependent on the major players for their existence. A more detailed environmental analysis is provided below: Economic Trends:  Net profit trend - Although the forecasts of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) seemed to be promising for 2007(collective profit of about $2.5 Billion), the situation till December 2006, seemed to be pretty bleak (Threat)  Seasonal Fluctuations - Another problem was the seasonal fluctuations in demand. Increased travel during summer and severe weather conditions during winter led to flight cancellations and delays, leading to losses (Threat)  Recession – The recession in 2000 led to lower demand. Other factors, such as increased fuel costs, competitive pressures, fear of terrorists led to huge losses (Threat)  Insolvency - The financial crisis lead many airlines, such as United Airlines, US Airways, Northwest, Delta and several others to file bankruptcy. At this point, some of the Airlines, sought to combine with each other in order to survive. The fallouts were both good and bad. At one hand, this reduced the excess capacity within the industry and reduced price completion (Opportunity). Whereas debts of the insolvent were carried to the consolidated company along with the others costs of mergers (Threat) Political Legal Trends:  Regulatory Issues – Post 9/11, US Airlines Industry had to bear additional costs for increasing security. The overall safety
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