Several mature low-fare carriers and a former regional feeder airline are acquiring new-mission air-craft in a tactical switch that should generate heated competition even at some of the nation's primary hub airports. The chief targets of this rising class of carrier are the largest spoke routes operated by the six network airlines. Such bold tactics are not new - the industry landscape is littered with moribund airlines that invaded fortress hubs - only this time the low-cost contingent, using new equipment, will be offering improved cabin service in addition to attractive fares. Long-haul routes and selected smaller markets are other opportunities where the competition is likely to grow. "The battle is going to be brought to many markets where no one has expected to see a low-cost carrier," said industry analyst George Hamlin, director of MergeGlobal, Arlington, Va. "In the previous model, the network carriers contracted with small airlines to perform short-haul service. But the small aircraft have grown in size and have longer range. Now they have the ability to reach out into what was the larger carrier's domain and with a far better cost structure in most cases."
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