A Comparative Analysis of Aircraft Turnaround Time Between Full-Service Carrier (FSC) and Low-Cost Carrier (LCC): A Case Study

Abstract

Aircraft turnaround time has been a crucial part of any airline operations at the airport and will impact the aircraft utilisation. This study attempts to investigate and understand the differences in aircraft turnaround time between Full-Service Carrier (FSC) and Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) and the contributing factors in the operational processes that led to the differences. Field observation at the selected airport has been conducted to collect turnaround time data for FSC and LCC flights. A total of eight narrow-body aircraft flights (four for each type of carrier), that spanned different times of the day are observed. The critical activities during turnaround time process were identified and analysed. The results suggest that the Turnaround Time (TAT) for LCC is shorter than FSC with differences in operational processes. These differences could possibly lead to better aircraft utilisation and impacting the financial results for the airlines.