Summary

The low-cost air transport market has been witnessing significant growth, spurred by a combination of global economic expansion and the burgeoning travel and tourism sector. Originating in the United States in the 1970s with Southwest Airlines, the service has seen a marked increase in popularity since the 1990s due to deregulation. A notable upward trend is forecasted, with the global low-cost airline market predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.62% from 2021 to 2025, potentially reaching a valuation of around $250 billion. The growth is particularly pronounced in developing countries. In the Italian market, Ryanair leads amidst strong competition, with players like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Volotea expanding their presence. The shuttering of Alitalia in Autumn 2021 has opened up further opportunities for low-cost carriers to capture the market share once held by Italy's flagship airline. Despite obstacles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector's growth trajectory in Italy remains robust..Growing Attraction of Budget-Friendly Skies: Trends in Italy's Low-Cost Air Travel Market The Italian low-cost air transport market has been soaring, exhibiting robust growth rates, a trend propelled by both domestic economic progress and a burgeoning travel and tourism sector. A fundamental shift occurred in the industry following a wave of deregulation that began in the United States during the 1970s with Southwest Airlines and gained international momentum in the 1990s. This market change paved the way for a new breed of airlines, offering flight options at prices significantly lower than traditional carriers. Globally, the low-cost airline sector anticipates an impressive upswing, forecasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) hovering around 8.62%. By the close of the period stretching from 2021 to 2025, the market valuation is expected to balloon to somewhere in the vicinity of $235 to $265 billion. Much of this expansion is spurred by the advent of low-cost carriers in developing nations, contributing to the sector's wide reach and accessibility. In Italy, the trajectory of low-cost airlines is constantly ascending, despite facing headwinds from challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. The Irish airline Ryanair currently reigns supreme in the Italian market, with EasyJet nipping at its heels. Trailing not too far behind are Wizz Air and Volotea, both aggressively bolstering their presence by inaugurating new operational bases at various Italian airports. The dramatic conclusion of Alitalia's operation, one of Italy's flagship airlines, which shut down in the fall of 2021 after a protracted period of financial distress, has crafted an enormous void in the market. This gap has, however, opened vast possibilities for low-cost carriers to swiftly occupy the market niche Alitalia once held. The Italian low-cost air transport sector is thus on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven not only by a collective global economic recovery but also by internal shifts that have made room for more competition and diversity in the offerings available to Italian and international travelers alike..### Leading Contenders in the Low-Cost Airline Arena In the dynamic world of low-cost air travel, a few key players stand out for their aggressive strategies and expanding market presence. These airlines, with their hallmark of offering affordable travel options, have redefined the aviation landscape, particularly within Italy's buoyant market. **Ryanair: The Market Leader** At the forefront of the Italian low-cost airline market is the Dublin-based Ryanair. Renowned for its cost-effective business model, Ryanair has become synonymous with budget travel across Europe. They have cemented their position as the go-to choice for price-conscious flyers, propelled by an extensive network that spans numerous Italian cities. With a fleet that is continually expanding and a focus on operational efficiency, Ryanair capitalizes on the gap left in the wake of Alitalia's closure. **EasyJet: The Orange Innovator** EasyJet, flying its iconic orange-liveried aircraft, is another significant entity in the low-price travel sector. Known for its customer-centric services and competitive pricing, EasyJet has established itself as a favorite among leisure and business travelers alike. With a strategic presence in key Italian airports, EasyJet maintains a robust route network and is an influential force in shaping the market trends. **Wizz Air: The Central and Eastern European Challenger** Wizz Air, with its roots in Central and Eastern Europe, is making headway in the Italian low-cost aviation market. They have earned recognition for their ultra-low fare offerings and fast-growing base of operations. With their continued territorial expansion and the inauguration of new bases within Italy, Wizz Air is steadily carving out a significant market share. **Volotea: The Regional Connectivity Advocate** Lastly, Volotea, which has found a niche in connecting regional and mid-sized European cities, is an essential piece of the low-cost airline puzzle in Italy. Their emphasis on underserved routes has opened up new travel possibilities for customers, often facilitating direct connections between cities that previously lacked them. As they grow and intensify their presence, Volotea is poised to benefit from shifts in the market dynamics. Together, these airlines form a competitive and diverse marketplace, energized by the continuous evolution of travel preferences and regulatory landscapes. They are not just transporting passengers from point A to point B but are actively driving economic growth, fostering tourism, and making air travel more accessible to the masses. The closure of Alitalia has undeniably created a vacuum, but these low-cost carriers are swiftly and strategically maneuvering to fill
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of study

With low cost air transport we refer to that service offered by low cost airlines consisting of the possibility to buy and use flights at lower prices than those applied by traditional airlines. This service was born in the United States in 1970 with the Southwest Airlines company but began to spread considerably only in the 1990s thanks to a strong process of deregulation. 

Low cost airlines have undergone a strong expansion process in recent years thanks not only to economic growth but also, in particular, to the travel and tourism sector. As a result, the global low cost airline market is expected to grow between 2021 and 2025 at a CAGR of 8.62%, reaching a value of approximately $250 billion at the end of this time period. Global market growth is also expected to be driven primarily by the expansion of low-cost airlines in developing countries. 

Within Italy, the low-cost air transport market is booming, with high growth rates despite limitations due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Italy, the low-cost air transport market is dominated by the Irish airline, Ryanair, followed by EasyJet and then by Wizz Air and Volotea, which continue their strategy of territorial expansion by dedicating themselves to the opening of an increasing number of new bases at Italian airports. 

A strong growth driver for this market within the Italian panorama will certainly be the closure of Italy's largest airline, Alitalia, which, after a long period in which it was subjected to the extraordinary administration procedure, finally closed its doors in autumn 2021. This offers obvious growth opportunities for low cost airlines that will be able to take over the market share previously belonging to Alitalia. 

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