ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how fleet planning sits within the organisational framework of an airline as well as considering the roles of the manufacturer and specialist consultants. It considers how fleet planning fits within broader issues of running an airline business. The chapter argues that adherence to recognised project management principles would be an asset in ensuring that the fleet planning process runs smoothly. It explains three key attributes of fleet planning: adaptability, flexibility and continuity. The use of consultants is valid for both small airlines that lack the expertise in fleet planning as well as large airlines that may already have the ability and tools needed for analysis. Different types of airline pursue different marketing objectives, so it is useful to identify distinctions in their goals. Operational flexibility becomes especially important in the fleet plan as future range requirements can be more easily planned in advance.
