Race to the Bottom Airline Profitability: McKinsey-Style Profitability Case Interview
Race to the Bottom Airline Profitability is a medium-difficulty McKinsey-style profitability case interview with 7 interviewer questions and 2 exhibits; candidates finish it in a median 21 minutes. Your first full case is free with an account: run it out loud with an AI interviewer or step by step.
| Case type | Profitability |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airlines |
| Firm style | McKinsey |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Interviewer questions | 7: context, clarifying, structure, 2 analysis, math, synthesis |
| Math questions | 1 |
| Exhibits | 2 |
| Modes | Voice and guided |
| Completed runs | 36 |
| Median time | 21 minutes |
| Source | Adapted from the Wharton consulting club casebook |
Runs, times and ratings are from Road to Offer practice data as of 6 November 2026.
The case
Gamma Airlines is a small regional German carrier whose profitability declined more than competitors over the past year. What caused the decline and what should Gamma do?
Gamma operates one nonstop route between Stuttgart and Berlin. Competitors also saw profit decline, but Gamma declined more. Operating costs for all three airlines have not changed significantly.
The interviewer's first question
Summarize the client situation and the decision we need to support.
Exhibits you will read
- Exhibit A: Competitive Profit Benchmark
- Exhibit B: Revenue Per Flight Inputs
What this case tests
One math step, two exhibits and two analysis questions: this case weighs business judgment above calculation.