Differences in low-cost airline operating models in 2018, 2019 and 2020 – comparison of easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air

This paper compares the operating models of selected low-cost airlines. Comparative analysis works with available data from the annual reports of easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. Operating models of these airlines are compared based on selected indices using benchmarking comparison. Results of analysis point out that easyJet and Ryanair dominated in 3 out of 8 indices and Wizz Air only in 2 out of 8 indices, in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, when a pandemic broke out, easyJet dominated in 5 indices, Wizz Air in 2 and Ryanair only in 1 index. In the overall three-year evaluation, easyJet achieved the best results, so it can be assumed that its operating model, compared to others, is the best one.