Low cost airline future in the Americas

Ultra low cost airlines are having a tough time in North America, with several operators exiting the market in the last few years and others facing financial difficulties. Yet, at the same time the model appears to be thriving in Latin America, with rapid growth and record profits.

• What is driving the difference in success for the ULCC model between North America and South America?

• Is the growth of 'premiumization' a positive trend for the ULCC/LCC sector in the Americas?

• As LCCs age and grow in size should they continue to go it alone, or are mergers and partnerships with other LCCs and legacy airlines inevitable?

• Should LCC and ULCC operators be looking at new segments, replacing the vanishing regional and secondary market operations of traditional network airlines?