Sardine Airlines
Practice this intermediate profitability case interview question in the Transportation sector. Includes detailed problem prompt, clarifying questions, structured framework, and expert recommendation. Part of ProHub's 835+ consulting case library.
ProHub Comment
This case requires candidates to identify SG&A as the primary profit driver issue, decompose it into components (marketing, rent, customer service, salaries), and recognize regulatory constraints around maintenance. The key is balancing cost-cutting with operational risks and regulatory compliance (FAA oversight).
Estimated Time
26 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Source
Duke
19
/ 100
Sardine Airlines is an ultra low-cost carrier with flights throughout the continental United States. They have hub airports in Oakland, California; Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Hartford, Connecticut. Sardine Airlines is facing increased pressure from other low cost carriers such as Cattle Car Air and Soul Airlines. Sardine Airlines has faced declining profit for the past year. Sardine’s CEO, Penny McPincher, has asked your team for advice on how to reverse the profitability trend.
Clarifying Information
- Sardine Airlines competes primarily on having the lowest cost fares and offering minimal service
- Due to its business model Sardine Airlines has a culture of cost savings that can be passed to the customer
- Sardine Airlines is trying to grow profit margin to 20% (INTERVIEWER GUIDANCE: net income/total revenue)
- If the interviewee asks about revenues/costs give them Exhibit 1, Statement of Operations
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