How to Make Business Flight Operations Better

Business flight operations are complex and challenging, especially for business aviation operators who have to meet the high expectations of their customers while managing costs and risks. Explore best of the ways to improve business flight operational efficiency, performance, optimization, profitability, and passenger experience.

Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the ability to provide services to its passengers in the most cost-effective manner while ensuring the high quality of its services. An efficient operation should produce the maximum output while using the minimum quantity of inputs. Some of the factors that affect operational efficiency are:

Trajectory Based Operations (TBO)

One of the methods for improving business flight operations is Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), which is an Air Traffic Management (ATM) method for strategically planning, managing, and optimizing flights by using time-based management, information exchange between air and ground systems, and the aircraft’s ability to fly precise paths in time and space.

To use TBO, you will need a flight plan service that can generate and update four-dimensional trajectories with mandatory time targets for each flight, taking into account the aircraft performance, weather, airspace constraints, and operator preferences. The flight plan service should also enable the communication and coordination between the aircraft and the ATM system, as well as between the aircraft and other aircraft, to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Fleet Utilization

Fleet Utilization is the measure of how well an operation uses its aircraft assets. It is calculated by dividing the block hours (the time from when an aircraft leaves the gate until it arrives at the destination gate) by the available seat hours (the number of seats on the aircraft multiplied by the hours the aircraft is available for flying). For business aviation operators, fleet utilization can be improved by optimizing the flight schedule, reducing maintenance downtime, and increasing the load factor (the percentage of seats filled by passengers).

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency is the measure of how much fuel an operation consumes per unit of output, such as revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) or available tonne kilometers (ATKs). Fuel is one of the major operating expenses for flights, accounting for about 25% of the total costs in 2021, according to IATA. Therefore, improving fuel efficiency can have a significant impact on the bottom line. Some of the ways to enhance fuel efficiency are: using newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Bombardier Global 7500, which has a 13% lower fuel burn per seat than its closest competitor; implementing best practices for flight planning, such as optimal routing, altitude, and speed; and adopting fuel-saving technologies, such as winglets, blended wing body, and electric propulsion.

Operational Performance

Operational performance is the operator’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives and satisfy its stakeholders, such as customers, employees, shareholders, and regulators. Some of the key indicators of flight performance are:

Customer Satisfaction

Customer Satisfaction is the measure of how well an flight meets or exceeds the expectations and needs of its customers. Customer satisfaction is a key driver of customer retention and recommendation, as well as brand reputation and differentiation. For business aviation operators, customer satisfaction can be enhanced by offering personalized and premium services, such as customized catering, entertainment, and amenities; using comfortable and spacious aircraft, such as the Gulfstream G500, which has the largest and most luxurious cabin in its class, with up to five living areas, a master suite, and a shower; and engaging with customers throughout their journey, such as providing timely and relevant information, feedback, and support.

Operation Optimization

Operation optimization is the flight’s ability to find the best possible solutions for its decision problems, such as network design, fleet assignment, crew scheduling, and revenue management. Flight optimization aims to maximize the operator’s objectives, such as revenue, profit, or market share, while satisfying the constraints, such as capacity, demand, or regulations. Some of the methods and tools for flight optimization are:

IATA Guidance Material and Best Practices for Fuel and Environmental Management

This document provides guidance and best practices for operators to improve their fuel efficiency and environmental performance, covering topics such as fuel management, flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and emissions reporting.

EASA Environmental Trends in Aviation to 2050

This document presents the results of a study conducted by EASA on the environmental trends and impacts of aviation to 2050, covering topics such as noise, air quality, climate change, and technology development.

FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B – Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers

This document provides information and guidance for aviation service providers to develop and implement a safety management system (SMS), covering topics such as SMS components, processes, and tools.

NBAA International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO)

This document provides a code of best practices for business aircraft operators to achieve high levels of safety and professionalism, covering topics such as organization, personnel, flight operations, maintenance, security, and emergency response.

Business aviation operators must consider a number of different operational factors, including profitability, efficiency, performance, and passenger experience. In order to demonstrate the tactics and best practices for enhancing each component, it further included numerical data and technical information from business aircraft. Business aviation operators may increase safety, quality, and competitiveness in the aviation sector by using these strategies.

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