Aircraft Choice: Boeing vs. Airbus - Factors Influencing an Airline's Decision
When considering which aircraft to use, airlines today face a complex decision-making process influenced by various factors. This article explores the key considerations in aircraft selection, focusing on fleet commonality, airline alliances, airline groups, and strategic economics. Additionally, we will provide specific examples of airlines that have chosen to fly exclusively one type of aircraft and the implications of such decisions.
Fleet Commonality - Keeping Costs Down and Pilots Skilled
Fleet commonality is a critical factor in an airline's decision-making process. When pilots are trained to fly a specific type of aircraft, transitioning them to fly another type would require additional training, which can be costly. For instance, if a pilot is trained to fly a variety of Boeing aircraft, it is generally more economical for an airline to continue using Boeing aircraft by maintaining the existing pilots. This is because retraining pilots can lead to additional expenses, both in terms of time and money.
On a larger scale, fleet commonality is significant for multi-airline groups. An example is LEVEL, a low-cost carrier in Spain, which is a subsidiary of Iberia, a flag-carrier. LEVEL flies the old Iberia A330-200 fleet from Barcelona to destinations in South and North America. This transfer of aircraft between airlines within the same group helps to maintain operational efficiency and reduces redundant costs.
Airline Alliances - Collective Decision-Making
Alliances such as OneWorld and Sky Team have no mandatory regulations requiring their member airlines to use a specific aircraft type. However, airlines may collectively agree on which aircraft to use or set certain parameters within which to operate. Such agreements can help maintain consistency in fleet operations and reduce logistical complexities. For example, an airline alliance may decide on standardizing the aircraft types used across all member airlines to ensure seamless operations and communication.
Airline Groups - Unified Fleet Operations
Airline groups, where a parent company owns multiple airlines, often operate with a unified fleet. This means that aircraft can be transferred between different airlines within the group without significant disruption. This practice ensures that the overall fleet remains consistent and can be managed as a single entity, leading to increased operational efficiency and cost savings. Level, the aforementioned low-cost carrier in Spain, exemplifies this practice by transferring Iberia's A330-200 aircraft to their operations.
Strategy and Economics - Fleet Homogeneity and Cost Savings
Airlines may choose to stick with a specific aircraft model for all their operations to streamline their operations and gain economies of scale. This strategy can lead to significant cost savings in terms of negotiations with suppliers. For instance, AirBaltic has an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet, which allows them to operate more efficiently and negotiate better deals with suppliers. Conversely, some airlines may project their strategy decades in advance and choose the aircraft type that best fits their long-term needs and projections. This proactive approach can help airlines remain competitive in the long run.
Examples of Single-Aircraft-Type Airlines
Some airlines exclusively use one type of aircraft. Ryanair and Southwest, for example, exclusively operate Boeing 737s. Similarly, Wizz Air and EasyJet use exclusively Airbus aircraft. While many major airlines use a mix of aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, it is noteworthy that such specialized fleets can streamline operations and reduce maintenance and training costs.
It is essential to recognize that the negotiation process between aircraft suppliers and airlines is often long, complex, and in some cases, confidential. This stage involves extensive discussions about pricing, terms, and conditions, which can significantly impact an airline's decision-making process.
In conclusion, the decision to fly a single type of aircraft from either Boeing or Airbus is influenced by various strategic and operational factors. Fleet commonality, airline alliances, airline groups, and strategic economics all play a crucial role in this complex decision-making process. As the airline industry continues to evolve, understanding these factors will be key to maintaining operational efficiency and cost savings.