City-pair method and airport-pair method alternatives for assessing the dominant position in the flight market. A multidisciplinary analysis from competition law and marketing perspective

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relevance of the city-pair and airport-pair methods in determining the flight-relevant market, and the corresponding market share, for assessing the existence of a dominant position under Antitrust Law. The analysis will focus on the Ryanair v. Lastminute case, in light of the fact that Ryanair is one of the biggest companies in the European flight market. However, in such case it denied being a dominant company by refusing the applicability of the city-pair method. Moreover, by considering the recent consumers’ needs and requirements, and the recent literature about such methods, the effect on marketing strategies for marketers and managers are discussed focusing on this peculiar market.