TAL Aviation CEO and founder Gideon Thaler is one of the most influential people in the global aviation business, often working behind the scenes. Tal Aviation is based in Israel but has a global network of offices representing airlines across the globe. TAL Aviation has been the facilitator many times for many airlines to generate business in offline markets or new potential destination markets.
When asked what US airline would be an ideal client for him to represent in a market such as Israel, he immediately responded:
JET BLUE would be a great candidate
Gideon Thaler, CEO TAL AVIATION.
Gideon continued to say: “At a time when there are more and more airline start-ups all over the world due to big demand and increased traffic, there is one thing puzzling me about the USA Market.
The U.S. International Long-Haul Aviation Market
“It appears the long-haul aviation market in the United States has been clearly dominated by
“For many years there have been only three long-haul international legacy carriers and none of the new USA airlines are challenging their dominance in the international skies.
“Take Alaska Airlines , Jet Blue , Southwest , and others who fly domestically, some medium-haul and a few long-haul international routes to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
“What is the reason these prominently domestic airlines do not want to expand faster into the international arena to long-distance routes, mainly in Europe and Asia?
“Is it the fear of strong competition?”
The American Airlines Success Story
“I started with American Airlines over 30 years ago when AA launched with one single long-haul international service from Dallas Fort Worth to London, England.
“Ever since AA and TAL Aviation grew together. We handled the activities for American Airlines in Israel, Russia, Turkey, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland and have watched them grow as an offline station GSA.
“We saw the numbers for American Airlines success growing rapidly.
“It seems that this trend has stopped while we expected some of the other airlines in the US to follow suit following the success story of the big three.
Where are Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue?
“Two airlines that we expected to grow internationally on the long-haul routes are Jet Blue and Alaska Airlines.
“I am puzzled whether they are going to stay in the short-haul business, perhaps adding a limited number of long-haul destinations or really challenging the picture in the US for the big three American legacy airlines to control the long-haul market.”
What does an Airline Representative do?
Airline representation services refer to the business of providing various support and representation functions for airlines, especially in foreign markets where they may not have a physical presence or a dedicated team. These services are often utilized by airlines to expand their reach, improve customer service, and manage operations more efficiently in regions where they may not have a strong presence. Here are some key aspects of airline representation services:
- Market Entry and Expansion:Airline representation services can assist airlines in entering new markets or expanding their existing routes. This includes identifying potential routes, negotiating with airports and regulatory authorities, and establishing partnerships with local travel agencies and tour operators.
- Sales and Marketing:Representation services often involve sales and marketing efforts on behalf of the airline. This may include promoting flight services to travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate clients, as well as implementing marketing campaigns to attract passengers.
- Customer Service:Providing customer service and support to passengers in the represented region is crucial. This includes handling reservations, ticketing, and addressing passenger inquiries or complaints. A local presence can improve customer satisfaction and response times.
- Ticketing and Distribution:Managing ticketing and distribution channels is a significant aspect of airline representation services. This may involve ensuring that tickets are available through various distribution channels, such as online booking platforms, travel agencies, and global distribution systems (GDS).
- Regulatory Compliance:Navigating the complex regulatory environment in different countries can be challenging for airlines. Representation services can help airlines stay compliant with local regulations related to aviation, customs, immigration, and safety standards.
- Cargo Services:In addition to passenger services, some representation companies also handle cargo services for airlines, including the management of cargo shipments, logistics, and documentation.
- Administrative Support:Handling administrative tasks such as accounting, reporting, and record-keeping is another part of representation services. This helps airlines manage their operations efficiently.
- Crisis Management:In case of emergencies or crises, such as natural disasters or security incidents, representation services may play a critical role in coordinating responses and assisting affected passengers.
- Market Intelligence:Gathering and analyzing market intelligence is essential for airlines to make informed decisions about route planning, pricing strategies, and market trends. Representation services can provide valuable insights into local market conditions.
- Brand Representation:Ensuring that the airline’s brand is represented positively and consistently in the region is vital for building and maintaining a strong brand image.
Airline representation services can be provided by specialized companies or organizations that have expertise in the aviation industry and extensive networks in the regions they serve. These services can be particularly beneficial for airlines looking to expand globally or improve their operations in specific markets.
TAL Aviation has been a recognized global leader in this field, and is a member of the World Tourism Network .
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