ABSTRACT
Low-cost carriers (LCCs), epitomised by the likes of Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, have brought a revolution to the way people travel for business or pleasure, allowing large portions of the population to travel by air for the first time. This chapter asks if the LCC model can also be successful in African countries with limited traffic. Additionally, it asks what conditions are needed in those countries to that model to be replicated. To answer these questions, the chapter explores the characteristics of the LCC model and highlights its impact on the aviation markets. Examples in Mexico and South Africa are also studied. Considering that model and the experiences of other countries, a series of pre-requisites for LCC development are identified. Air transport liberalisation is found to be a key for it to occur. The chapter considers those pre-requisites, and discusses the challenges and opportunities for LCC growth in the East African Community.
