Frequently asked questions for
Airline

Airline is a web-based business strategy simulation where students manage a regional airline over multiple simulated quarters. Working in teams, students make integrated decisions across pricing, marketing, fleet management, scheduling, operations, human resources, and finance while competing directly against other teams.

Airline is commonly used in:

• Business Strategy
• Strategic Management
• Strategy in a Service Industry Context
• Undergraduate capstone classes

Because it integrates finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, it works especially well as a cross-functional capstone experience.

Airline emphasizes:

• Operational realism (capacity constraints, load factors, fuel pricing, aircraft utilization)
• Strategic trade-offs rather than “gaming the system”
• Competitive dynamics, where teams directly affect one another’s outcomes
• Uncertainty and imperfect information, mirroring real managerial decision-making

There is no single “correct” strategy—success depends on alignment, execution, and adaptation.

Very realistic. Airline is based on the economics and operating logic of real regional airlines, including:

• Route structures and demand variation
• Aircraft characteristics and financing choices
• Fuel price volatility
• Labor and service quality considerations

While simplified for teaching purposes, the cause-and-effect relationships closely resemble real airline operations

Airline can run from 6 to 12 simulated quarters, depending on your course schedule.
Most instructors choose:

• 8 quarters for a strong strategic arc, or
• 12 quarters to allow multiple seasonal demand cycles

Typically:

• 30–60 minutes per student per decision round
• More time early on as teams learn the interface and strategy
• Less time later once routines and roles are established

Team coordination is often the biggest time variable.

Students work in teams of 3–4, which is the recommended size for Airline.
Team-based decision-making mirrors real management environments and encourages:

• Role specialization
• Strategic debate
• Accountability and collaboration

Each period, teams make decisions in areas such as:

• Pricing and promotions
• Advertising and marketing expenses
• Fleet acquisition and financing
• Route scheduling and capacity
• Human resource policies
• Special strategic incidents (mini-cases)

These decisions collectively determine profitability, growth, and competitive position.

Yes. Airline includes a full suite of optional assignments, including:

• Case quiz and case discussion
• Strategic planning
• Break-even analysis
• SWOT analysis
• Management audit
• Financial measures
• Final presentation and concepts quiz

Assignments can be turned on or off depending on your course goals .

Most instructors use a mix of:

• Individual quizzes
• Team assignments
• Peer evaluations
• Simulation performance metrics

This blended approach helps balance individual accountability with team outcomes

Moderate—but well supported. Students typically need:

• One practice round
• Clear guidance on reports and decision logic

Once they understand how decisions connect, engagement tends to increase sharply.

Interpretive fully administers the simulation, including:

• Course setup and configuration
• Simulation scheduling and advances
• Student technical support
• Instructor onboarding and guidance

This allows instructors to focus on teaching rather than logistics

Yes. Airline is widely used in:

• Online programs
• Asynchronous courses
• Hybrid formats

Team size and pacing can be adjusted to fit different delivery modes.

To get started:

• Request a demo
• Choose your scenario, team size, and assignments
• Integrate the simulation into your syllabus

Interpretive’s team will be available to guide you along the way!