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Global airline productivity analysis for the year 2022

Author

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  • Sun, Xiaoqian
  • Zheng, Changhong
  • Fu, Xiaowen
  • Dresner, Martin
  • Zhang, Anming
  • Wandelt, Sebastian

Abstract

Investigating the productivity of airlines in these times is crucial to compare airlines’ performance against peers during a period marked by significant changes in travel demand, operational protocols, and market dynamics. In this study, we present the results of an airline benchmark for the year 2022. Specifically, we collected data for 76 out of 200 largest airlines according to the number of transported passengers in the year 2022. To perform a comprehensive productivity analysis among these airlines, we use eight indicators from the literature, including aggregated ones, such as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and Residual Total Factor Productivity (RTFP), as well as more specific indicators, such as labor productivity and fuel productivity. As a result of our investigation, we report on the outperforming airlines in two distinct categories: Full-service carriers and low-cost airlines. We believe that this benchmark is a natural complement to existing work on airport benchmarking and will help researchers as well as policy makers to guide airlines towards efficient and sustainable air transportation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Xiaoqian & Zheng, Changhong & Fu, Xiaowen & Dresner, Martin & Zhang, Anming & Wandelt, Sebastian, 2026. "Global airline productivity analysis for the year 2022," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaitra:v:133:y:2026:i:c:s0969699725002182
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2025.102955
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