Airlines are high-reliability organizations (HRO) evolving in an ultra-competitive and regulated environment where market differentiation is challenging (e.g., a limited option of original equipment manufacturers (OEM), routes) and thin profit margins.
Often they are defined by their business models (i.e., legacy carrier (LC) or low-cost carrier (LCC)).
Because the industry is in perpetual motion and is publicly visible as most airlines care about their brand image, the slightest mismatch could result in financial, operational, and safety disasters.
For instance, the recent fiasco of the Boeing 737 MAX causing the loss of 346 souls is more than a technology failure. There were indications of real deep problems that have their roots in the organization’s leadership.