The Role of Leadership and Technology in Successful and Sustainable Airline Management: A Case of Two Carriers

A study about the role of leadership and technology in successful and sustainable airline management was conducted to further the knowledge concerning the effects these factors have on the sustainability of airline business. The goal of the study was to identify suitable leadership approaches, core and enabling technologies that are of importance for airline executives in the context of the global nature of the industry and its challenging, competitive environment. Conducting interviews with former executives from Continental Airlines and Lufthansa German Airlines and with C-level managers from airlines unaffiliated with these carriers provided insights concerning adequate methods to lead airlines that experience operational, organizational, or financial crises. One of the findings of the study, which was conducted by evaluating successful crisis management programs of Lufthansa and Continental Airlines, is the need to integrate both core and enabling technologies with a leadership approach that allows organizations to outperform their competitors and, more importantly, maintain their leading position.