Case Study

Singapore Airlines (C): Managing a strategic paradox

5 pages
December 2013
Reference: IMD-3-2416

The C case takes a broader geographical view, while focusing on Singapore Airlines’ strategic differentiation. The airline, while being widely considered as the standard bearer in terms of quality and customer service, has been able to achieve some of the lowest cost structures in the industry, surpassing even some LCCs. To meet this seeming paradox while minimizing trade-offs, Singapore Airlines draws the line between things that are valued by the customer, where procedural and cultural ingenuity are promoted, and things that have no effect on the traveler, where cost efficiency is sought.

Learning Objective

To investigate how, why and where SIA manages its cost/service trade-offs. To identify the key internal characteristics that allow Singapore Airlines to consistently beat its rivals in terms of customer service and profitability.

Keywords
Airline, Aviation, World, Travel, Differentiation, Cost Efficiency, Strategy, Services, Activity System, General Management
Settings
Asia, India
Singapore Airlines, Travel and Leisure, Airlines and Aviation
2007-2013
Type
Published Sources
Copyright
© 2013
Available Languages
English
Related material
Teaching note
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