Business models in business aviation – An empirical analysis with a focus on Air Charter Companies

Abstract

The paper contributes to the research on business models in business aviation by presenting the results of an empirical analysis focusing on air charter companies. Combining the Canvas concept with cluster analysis, we use data from more than seventy air charter operators from five world regions. The cluster analysis produced three clusters of companies which were large full-range business aviation supply groups, medium sized business aviation firms, and small business aircraft operators. The findings confirmed the diversity of the sector and indicated the presence of more business models. Our findings also call for the development of sector specific research tools and methodologies aimed at business models in business aviation to comprehensively answer the question how the sector works.