Lavkostnadsaktører

Lavkostnadsaktører, often translated as low-cost carriers or budget airlines, are companies that operate in the airline industry with a business model focused on minimizing operational costs to offer significantly lower fares to passengers. This strategy typically involves a number of key elements.

One common characteristic is the use of a standardized fleet, often comprising only one or two types of aircraft, which simplifies maintenance, training, and spare parts inventory. Aircraft utilization is maximized through rapid turnarounds at airports, meaning less time is spent on the ground and more time in the air generating revenue.

Lavkostnadsaktører also tend to fly to secondary or less congested airports, which usually have lower landing fees and operational costs compared to major hubs. They often unbundle services, meaning that basic fares only cover the flight itself, with charges for extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, in-flight meals, and entertainment.

Furthermore, these airlines typically employ a direct sales model, relying heavily on online bookings through their own websites to avoid travel agent commissions and other distribution costs. Their marketing efforts are usually focused on price-sensitive leisure travelers and, increasingly, on business travelers seeking cheaper alternatives. The success of the low-cost model has led to its adoption by many airlines worldwide, fundamentally changing the competitive landscape of air travel.