This study examines the net return for airlines before and after joining an
alliance. The research database was compiled from ICAOData, and comprised 15
international airlines as subjects and their net financial results for a period of 11 years as
primary research variables. Two variables, the averages of five and three years net
performance before joining an alliance, were tested against another variable, the average
net performance five years after joining the alliance. Results show a deterioration of net
profits after joining an alliance, although this trend was only significant when comparing
performance over the short-term. However, the performance of American airlines
accounted for most of this trend, which may have being partly affected by the consequences
of September 11 2001.
