Airline Quote by Gordon Bethune
“Since 1978 the record pretty well shows that no start-up airline . . . has really been successful, so the odds of JetBlue having long-term success are remote. I'm not going to say it can't happen because stranger things have happened, but I personally believe P.T. Barnum was, in that respect, correct.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Airline industry analysis, 2005
Historical data shows most start‑up airlines fail; odds are low for JetBlue, yet outlier successes exist.
In simple terms: Start‑up airlines rarely succeed, but exceptions happen.
Key Takeaway
Assess risk realistically while staying open to possibilities.
Themes
risk
industry trends
optimism
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
business
strategic
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- entrepreneurial ventures
- market entry
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
business strategy
statistics
Questions to Reflect On
- What data supports your risk view?
- How can you mitigate airline startup risks?
A Different Perspective
Optimism may overlook systemic challenges.
