Alaska, Delta and JetBlue zero in on managing seasonality in an attempt to preserve profitability

US carriers are fine-tuning their revenue management mechanisms to better manage seasonally weak periods and avoid climbing out of losses recorded during those times. By shifting their networks into higher revenue generating markets during slow travel periods they are starting to challenge the historical status quo of losing money during low demand periods. Both low cost and legacy carriers alike are changing their strategies for managing down periods to flatten out the peak and trough patterns that have wreaked havoc on their attempts to remain profitable during the more challenging off-peak times of the year.

Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways are three such carriers making specific changes during off-peak periods to increase profitability. Alaska Airlines has shifted away from west coast routes to focus on Hawaii, Delta has bucked industry trends to decrease trans-Atlantic capacity while JetBlue has focussed on its Boston hub to drive corporate traffic.