Abstract

This article is based on data from a five-stage mixed-method Delphi study, which was part of a wider industry level analysis of the global airline industry and its likely future trajectory. This wider study assessed key current and likely future industry trends across geographical regions of the world and investigated core global considerations shaping the industry. A key theme to emerge was that of the industry’s role in facilitating and promoting globalization. The industry is often characterized as being in a globalization paradox whereby it facilitates and promotes global interconnectedness, but itself still remains deeply imbedded in an industry structure based on national borders and ownership restrictions. Although international air market liberalization is seemingly increasing, it is unfolding in a patchy and uneven manner. The industry is restricted and regulated like only a few other industries. State power has been an all-pervasive influence on the industry since its very beginning. However, due in large part to geographical location and the bilateral system of air traffic rights, big military and economic powers like the United States have had limited influence or control over the development of international air networks. Thus, international aviation poses a myriad of challenges for international relations studies.