Wikipedia is sometimes nonsense and sometimes correct... however, the definition I quoted is a reasonable and fair definition and perfectly adequate for this discussion. This isn't Harvard.
The simple facts are clear. Initially de-regulation brought new entrants into the market with innovative ideas. However, the big airlines (on both sides of the Atlantic incidently) conspired to eliminate them, by fair means and foul.
It is not a co-incidence that these fortress hubs have developed... they simply sought to create regional and local monopolies, rather than compete. Whereever they can, they seek to control the markets. Look at how the major's handled the upstart regionals. Initially these regionals were independents competing by opening up markets the majors had previously ignored and competing on price and service on popular routes. The majors then bought them and re-branded them. They are now divesting themselves of the regionals, but they are so dependent on the majors now, that they must compete to carry the brand. Their own brands were destroyed by the majors.
What is remarkable is the failure of the public or politicians to demand better. Sooner or later this abuse has to end..but I don't see it happening any time soon.
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