Fleet Planning for a Finnish Regional Airline

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Helsinki University of Technology | Diplomityö
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Date

1998

Department

Konetekniikan osasto

Major/Subject

Lentotekniikka

Mcode

Kul-34

Degree programme

Language

en

Pages

75 s. + liitt.

Series

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the most cost-efficient aircraft-type for a Finnish regional airline. First, the overall characteristics of the local regional airline industry are introduced and then four 30-39 seat capacity aircraft are selected in a preliminary evaluation. Using performance data released by the manufacturers and fitting equations to solve different flight parameters, the fuel consumption of the remaining four aircraft can be determined as a function of altitude and true air speed, allowing the calculation of hourly operational costs. Given the complete route network, the total costs may be determined for each aircraft type. A sensitivity analysis is also made by varying some of the cost-elements. The forecasted daily demand, based on statistical analysis, is used as a baseline for estimating the profits yielded by each aircraft. A computer program is then written to investigate the behaviour of profits with variable boundary conditions, such as demand, leasing costs and fares. Other factors, apart from operational costs and profits, that affect the economical viability of the aircraft are evaluated as well. These include passenger appeal, weight & balance and suitability for cargo operations. Weight & balance characteristics of each aircraft can be analysed with the help of statistical data and weight & balance sheets, while the other aspects are mostly investigated qualitatively. As a final result, two aircraft types are recommended, each responding to alternative future strategies, as decided by the airline. The other of the recommended aircraft is a relatively old type with lower risk, while the other is a new generation aircraft with higher potential for an expansion of the route network. Based on the forecasted future demand, the optimum fleet size is found to be seven aircraft, of which four are of either of the recommended type and the rest smaller types already in operation.

Description

Supervisor

Laine, Seppo

Thesis advisor

Nikulainen, Mikko

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Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-2020120444684

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[dipl] Teknillinen korkeakoulu / TKK