Aviation benchmarking

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the processes used to ensure that the comparisons made between airport and airline performance are as meaningful as possible, and to highlight a number of issues which need to be considered when making performance comparisons in aviation. Design/methodology/approach – Evidence was gathered from an international data sample of airports and airlines. Operational and financial data was derived from published reports. Findings – The research illustrates the scale of differences in airport performance levels, and it also highlights the considerable difference in performance levels between airports and airlines. It is clear that many factors can impact on an airport's ability to optimise its performance, and on its relative level of performance when compared to its peers. Practical implications – The research highlights and demonstrates the need for a degree of understanding of contextual factors when comparing airport performance measures with each other and when comparing airline performance. Originality/value – Insight into the process by which airport and airline performance measurements can be compared with each other.