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Definition • Fleet planning is the process by which an airline acquires and manages appropriate aircraft capacity in ordered to serve anticipated markets over a variety of defined periods of time with a view to maximise corporate wealth. Source: Buying the Big Jets
Aircraft Selection Process • Current resources • Corporate objectives • Projected industry environments • Marketing Strategy
Aircraft Selection Process • Current Resources • Present fleet and their usage • Financial data (acquisition cost, unit cost, start-up costs) • Technical data (Payload-range, performance, noise-levels, maintenance) • Human resource
Aircraft Selection Process • Corporate Objectives • Forecasted profitability • Operating income • Net earnings • Market share • Cost saving goals
Aircraft Selection Process • Projected Industry Environment • National Economy • Personal income, disposable income • Air transport industry forecasts
Aircraft Selection Process • Market Strategy • Level and type of service between city-pairs • Long-haul or short-haul • Fare and rate structure
Fleet Commonality • Use of similar aircraft types • Economical for the airline • Minimises crew costs: re-training and re-certification • Ease of aircraft and engine maintenance • Greater flexibility for planning new routes • Ex: B757 & B767, B737 family, A320 family, A330 & A340
Direct Operating cost • Expenses associated with the day-to-day operation of the aircraft such as, • Crew salaries • Fuel and oil costs • Maintenance and overhaul costs • Aircraft depreciation costs • Airport and en route charges
Indirect Operating Costs and Revenues • Expenses or revenues that are not directly linked with the operation of airline’s services. This can include, • Interest paid on loans or interest received from bank • Profit or loss from an airline’s affiliated company • Gain or loss from foreign exchange • Government payments