ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the integrator market, focusing on the market structure and the supply side of the market. More specifically, the objective is to position the integrators in the global air cargo business and to get an insight into their cost structure. In addition, some challenges and opportunities specific to the integrator market will be examined. Section 2 outlines the business positioning of integrators within the air cargo industry. In section 3, the cost structure of integrators is investigated. Section 4 points out the challenges and opportunities typical for integrators. Section 5 summarizes the main conclusions of this research. Many definitions of integrators can be found in the literature. In this chapter, integrators are considered as “vertically integrated express companies that provide time-definite, door-to-door services and, for that purpose, perform their own pick-up and delivery services, operate their own fleet of aircraft and trucks and tie it all together with advanced information and communication technologies” (Zondag, 2006, p. XI).
