ABSTRACT
This definition, used by the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing, provides a valuable initial framework for the study of the subject. In particular, its use of the word ‘anticipating’ emphasises the fact that marketing is a dynamic discipline, where customer requirements are in a constant state of evolution and change. This is especially the case in the airline industry, where successful airlines are likely to be those which anticipate change and are ready for it when it occurs. Unsuccessful carriers tend to be those which wait for change to happen and then try to catch up with it. This is a theme which will recur frequently in the book, and one which is well illustrated by the difficulties which many so-called ‘Legacy’ airlines have had in recent years in responding to the challenges which the rapid growth of low-cost carriers have brought to them.
