newstodate.aero
Aug 21, 2013 (newstodate): airBaltic is reporting a 15 percent increase, y-o-y, in aircraft utilization for the 2013 summer season which means more flying hours and less time spent on ground.
The crux is, however, that this is achieved with four aircraft less, compared to summer 2012.
-Actually, we are producing the same volume as ASKs, but with four aircraft less. Or putting it another way: we have been operating this summer's schedule with four "virtual" aircraft, says Janis Vanags, airBaltic VP corporate communications.
-Operating this way also means lower unit-costs reflecting positively on air fares and revenues.
-The 15 percent improvement in aircraft utilization was achieved through structural changes in the network by moving trunk routes from midday departures to alternating morning/afternoon departures and introducing "split schedules" resulting in additional flexibility in planning and shorter transfer times for the travelers, while enabling denser schedules and thus higher aircraft utilization for the carrier .
-At the same time, this has also freed capacity allowing us to launch additional frequencies to selected destinations, and introduce six new destinations during the summer period.
-This innovative thinking is one element in our turn-around program ReShape, aiming at returning the carrier to profitable operations by 2014, says Mr Vanags.
The work horse of airBaltic's fleet is now the Bombardier Q400, with currently 11 units and one delivery still pending.
The crux is, however, that this is achieved with four aircraft less, compared to summer 2012.
-Actually, we are producing the same volume as ASKs, but with four aircraft less. Or putting it another way: we have been operating this summer's schedule with four "virtual" aircraft, says Janis Vanags, airBaltic VP corporate communications.
-Operating this way also means lower unit-costs reflecting positively on air fares and revenues.
-The 15 percent improvement in aircraft utilization was achieved through structural changes in the network by moving trunk routes from midday departures to alternating morning/afternoon departures and introducing "split schedules" resulting in additional flexibility in planning and shorter transfer times for the travelers, while enabling denser schedules and thus higher aircraft utilization for the carrier .
-At the same time, this has also freed capacity allowing us to launch additional frequencies to selected destinations, and introduce six new destinations during the summer period.
-This innovative thinking is one element in our turn-around program ReShape, aiming at returning the carrier to profitable operations by 2014, says Mr Vanags.
The work horse of airBaltic's fleet is now the Bombardier Q400, with currently 11 units and one delivery still pending.