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DIVERSIFICATION 3

Southwest Airlines’ Need for Diversification

James C. Goggans

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

MGMT 436, Strategic Management

Prof. Robert E. Rue

15 August 2021

Diversification at Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has been operating within the US market for some decades. The company has considered diversification and taping the international markets that have been successful in Mexico and the Caribbean. However, this diversification is limited, and the company should invest further in international markets to increase its market share and enhance profitability (Amankwah-Amoah, 2021). Due to its brand name and value, it will be easier for the company to establish loyal customers in the international market. The loyal customer base will make the company more profitable and improve its penetration to new customers.

Diversification is the most effective strategy for the company, with existing strategies that can help Southwest Airlines tap the international market. The company has a dedicated and motivated team of employees. These employees will gain a competitive advantage in the global market. While competition from other Airlines may be stiff, a strategic and gradual penetration will be fruitful (Ambrose & Waguespack, 2021). The company's cost management will also make it possible to incur the lowest costs possible in entering the new markets. The success in the local market will be replicated in international markets, and the outcome will be increased market share, enhanced brand value, and more profits.

Diversification reduces the risk of loss. Currently, the company relied on the local market apart from the few international markets it ventured into recently. There is a higher risk of losses due to market uncertainties. It is rare for uncertainty to befall the whole world, and by tapping different markets, the company minimizes the risk of losses. By tapping the international market, the company will expose itself to more opportunities. Southwest Airlines will discover more gaps in these markets and create value that other Airlines may not have made before.

References

Amankwah-Amoah, J. (2021). COVID‐19 pandemic and innovation activities in the global airline industry: A review. Environment International, 156, 106719.

Ambrose, S., & Waguespack, B (2021). Fundamentals of Airline Marketing: Strategies for Success in a Hyper-competitive Environment.