Self-connecting, codesharing and hubbing among European LCCs: From point-to-point to connections?

In this conceptual paper we analyse to which degree large European low-cost carriers (LCCs) depart from the traditional point-to-point paradigm. Reflecting on the evolving LCC business model with an observable trend towards hybrid carriers we investigate whether these airlines target new passenger segments by offering connections. Bringing together the conceptualisation of different strategies to combine single flights into marketable connections with information on the utilisation of these strategies by the largest European LCCs leads to new insights about how the airline industry has changed.