To mark the 25th anniversary of Airline Business, 25 leading airline industry executives who have helped shape the sector over the last quarter century, give their reflections on the last 25 years and the challenges for the years to come.
Former British Airways chief executive Lord [Colin] Marshall looks back at the last 25 years and flags the increased impact of securit of on the business and bemoans the slow pace of global liberalisation for the sector. He writes:
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"Working in air transport, alongside wonderfully committed people was, for me, a great and fulfilling experience. Over the past 25 years, I learned that it was not a business for those of a nervous disposition or anyone seeking a quick profit.
Looking at air transport from the outside, it does appear to be a curious business. It is, in general, a growth industry, but collectively has never made any real money in its history; it has been prohibited by international regulation from normal commercial development; competition has been distorted by various forms of government support for effectively down-and-out carriers; and the industry's infrastructure suppliers have traditionally been monopolies. Yet the business has continued to attract enthusiastic new entrants".
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More on British Airways |
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- Read the latest news on British Airways merger with Iberia, now due to officially start in January;
- British Airways, American and Iberia finally live their transatlantic dream;
- From the archives, read the Airline Business cover interview with British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh from April 2008
More leader perspectives and anniversary content |
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- Read all 25 leader perspectives and messages and contributions from other senior figures
- Airline industry figures give their reflections on the last 25 years in our special video report
- Follow the ups and downs of the industry since 1985 with our interactive airline industry timeline
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Source: Airline Business
