Fleet planning and acquisition Flashcards
Fleet requirements depend on 8 things…
1) Nature of demand
2) Route distance to be flown
3) Airport characteristics
4) Environmental performance
5) Fuel efficiency
6) Operating economics
7) Marketing considerations / passenger perceptions (of manufacturer, age of airframe, safety and comfort)
8) Political realities (export licences / sanctions)
What’s the deal with aircraft size and range?
Historically, the relationship between aircraft size and range was almost linear; bigger aircraft could fly the furthest.
Intercontinental airlines historically needed B747s, DC10s, L1011s (1970 intercontinental jets with more than two engines)
New technology (and ETOPS certification) has enabled smaller aircraft to serve long-haul routes.
What does ETOPS stand for?
Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards
When was ETOPS initiated?
1985
What does ETOPS allow?
It allows twin engined aircraft to fly routes that are over 60 minutes single-engine flying time away from a suitable diversion airport.
Airlines can now serve lower demand long-haul routes with smaller aircraft (eg, Primera Air starting BHX-YYZ with A321s)
An example of an “oops moment” for ETOPS
AA, 31ST AUG 2015, LAX-HNL lol!!!!
What 3 extra things do aircraft need for ETOPS?
1) Extra navigation equipment
2) Additional crew members
3) Medical equipment
What CAP details the requirements for ETOPS in the UK?
CAP 513.
What marketing factors are there for aircraft choice?
1) Most consumers don’t care… but,
2) Being the first to operate a new aircraft may confer marketing advantages (eg, ANA’s 787)
3) New aircraft may appeal to customers, they may be perceived as safer and more comfortable.
4) Operating new aircraft could be seen as a proxy for the financial health of the airline.
What is a wet lease?
The deluxe version! It includes everything you need (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance).
Often good for short-term capacity increases. A good solution for when an aircraft goes tech or staff go on strike.
It could even enable an airline to operate into a third country where the lessee is banned from operating to.
What is a damp lease?
It’s in the middle - you get the aircraft and the flight crew.
You have to supply your own cabin crew, maintenance and insurance.
You get to control elements of the cabin service.
What is a dry lease?
You just get the aircraft.
