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Measurement of airlines’ capacity utilization and cost gap: Evidence from low-cost carriers

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  • Yu, Ming-Miin
  • Chang, Yu-Chun
  • Chen, Li-Hsueh

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the capacity utilization and cost gap between actual and global long-run minimum costs. Based on the data for thirteen low-cost carriers around the world for the year 2010, an input-oriented data envelopment analysis model is used to estimate the physical capacity utilization and cost gap between actual and global long-run minimum costs. The empirical results show that more than half of low-cost carriers should improve their capacity utilization, and all low-cost carriers should enhance their market efficiency and reduce their excess costs. Of the thirteen low-cost carriers, three should improve their technical efficiency, four should re-distribute the mix of variable inputs, all thirteen should pay lower prices for all variable inputs, and ten should enhance the utilization rate of their fixed factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Ming-Miin & Chang, Yu-Chun & Chen, Li-Hsueh, 2016. "Measurement of airlines’ capacity utilization and cost gap: Evidence from low-cost carriers," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 186-198.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaitra:v:53:y:2016:i:c:p:186-198
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2016.03.005
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    6. Veysi Asker, 2024. "Financial Performance Analysis Using the Merec-Based Cobra Method: An Application to Traditional and Low-Cost Airlines," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 2, pages 35-52.
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