Rational Decision-Making in Aircraft Selection and Supporting Examples
Planning an airline’s fleet is a challenging, interconnected task that calls for a thorough knowledge of the industry’s technical and business aspects. Airlines choose particular aircraft for every route after considering various factors, such as the number of passengers, the flight distance, and the airport’s amenities (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022). Moreover, airlines must consider several critical factors while rationalizing the best aircraft types. These include payload, range, fuel consumption, aircraft utilization, cost management, operational costs, and universality and compatibility (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022).
The choice of an airline fleet can also be influenced by variables involving the level of competition in the airline operating setting, the intended airline image, and the expected load factor. For instance, the aerodynamic design of the Boeing 787 shortens takeoff time while increasing fuel efficiency and climbing capability (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022). Moreover, the choice of Airbus A-380 by Emirates Airlines can be seen in the fleet’s large passenger capacity, which helps the airline be among the most profitable airlines (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022). Therefore, many aspects ensure successful airline operations.
Key Factors in Proposing Fleet Types for Specific Markets
There are many factors that airlines must consider when they wish to introduce new fleet types in different markets. For example, among the factors that should be emphasized are the size of the market, the level of competition, the demand for air travel, and the type of routes the airline will operate in the given market (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022). In cases when either one of the factors is disregarded, there might be issues not only with the airlines’ success but with the legal restrictions as well. In terms of the high level of competition, the airline might choose a fleet type with optimal efficiency, which would help it remain profitable (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022).
In cases of high demand for air travel, the airline might choose a low-maintenance fleet type. Moreover, it is essential to adhere to regulations and official guidelines. For instance, in Japan, there are restrictions regarding the noise level of the aircraft (Vasigh & Azadian, 2022). As a result, an airline could not introduce the new fleet type to the Japanese market if it did not meet the noise level requirements.
Reference
Vasigh, B., & Azadian, F. (2022). Aircraft valuation in volatile market conditions: Guiding toward profitability and prosperity. Springer International Publishing.