ABSTRACT
Fleet planning involves solving a multi-dimensional problem of significant complexity where the conditions are changing almost every day. One can easily understand why airlines who are members of the strategic alliances are reluctant to commit to joint fleet plans as there is an ever-present risk of being left high and dry with a fleet mix that was designed to serve a different purpose. Being a launch customer for a new aircraft type or new technology is really a question of strategy and risk. Airlines that have always sourced their aircraft from one particular manufacturer may have a reluctance to switch to another supplier. The aircraft and engine manufacturers will continue to seek ways to improve reliability and efficiency. Slot availability and restrictions can have an overwhelming influence on capacity decisions, irrespective of what an airline would actually like to achieve in its market.
