Originally Posted by volvo99

In nearly every other industry the newer, fresher, nimbler competitor is able to overcome inherent economic obstacles to carve a niche in the marketplace and thrive, not just survive. Why is the airline industry different? Because the regulatory environment permits entrenched legacy players to maintain obstacles in the form of airport real estate, arrival and departure slots, etc., which are inherent barriers to entry for a new entrant. Unless there is a paradigm shift in how the country travels, legacy carriers with their outdated product and service will continue to exist long past the time they would have been extinct in a parallel industry.