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Classic Airlines Problem Solution

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Classic Airlines Marketing Solution
Jeanine M. Taylor
MKT 571
April 9, 2012
Michael Wilson, MBA

Classic Airlines Marketing Solution
Classic Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the world with a fleet of more than 375 jets that serve over 240 cities with over 2,300 daily flights. Since it was incepted 25 years ago, the airline has grown to 32,000 employees. Though currently profitable, Classic has not gone unscathed by the challenges faced by the airline industry. Financially, increased uncertainty about flying has resulted in a 10% decrease in Classic’s stock prices. Operationally, the airline is suffering from waning consumer confidence. The airline’s rewards program has lost 19% of its members and the flights booked by the remaining members have decreased 21%. Rising costs, particularly in the area of fuel and labor, have limited the airlines ability to compete for the high value frequent flier. Classic’s board of directors has mandated a 15% cost reduction in all departments over the next 18 months to protect the profitability of the company (University of Phoenix, 2012, Classic Airlines Scenario). Financial success is dependent upon marketing. Without marketing to generate the demand for a product, the company cannot make a profit (Koller & Keller, 2006). Classic’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Amanda Miller, has tasked the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Kevin Boyle and his team comprised of the Senior Vice President of Customer Service, Renee Epson and the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, John Hartman, with the challenge of reviving the rewards program, which she believes is the key to Classic’s success.
The simplex problem-solving approach will be applied to identify and develop a solution to Classic Airlines challenge.

Step One: Problem Finding
Step one of the simplex problem-solving approach is to find the right

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