IATA’s Willie Walsh Rejects United CEO’s Claim That Low-Cost Model Is ‘Dead’

Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has strongly rejected United CEO Scott Kirby’s claim that the low-cost airline model is no longer viable. Walsh described the sector as “alive and well” and continuing to thrive globally.

Kirby made headlines earlier this year when he declared that ultra-low-cost airlines were fundamentally broken.

“It’s dead. It’s a crappy model,” Kirby said at a Wall Street Journal event. “The model was, screw the customer... the problem is they got big enough that they needed repeat customers [and] they don’t get them.”

Speaking at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon on Wednesday, Walsh offered a pointed rebuttal. “I disagree with Scott. He’s been very vocal about t