Airlines In Taiwan Research Articles

Evaluating air route performance with context-dependent data envelopment analysis: A case study in Taiwan

The aviation industry has a key role in international trade activities. Most studies measure aviation performance based on airlines or airports. However, the frontline operation is delivered via air routes and more operating characteristics can be revealed with route-based performance evaluation. Further, the traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach cannot rank performance in a particular context which represents an efficiency frontier built by decision making units (DMUs). Therefore, this study uses a context-dependent DEA approach to measure and rank the performance of air routes with a case study of 112 international routes from two airlines in Taiwan. Model results identify eight performance levels with most air routes at efficiency performance level 2 and level 3 and most route destinations in East Asia (e.g., Japan). The results of this study can inform operators about a clear relationship between performance and potential markets as well as improvement strategies.

Automated Workflow for Calculating the Collective and Average Effective Doses of Galactic Cosmic Radiation Received by Pilots in Taiwan from 2006 to 2021.

On the basis of statistical data obtained from publicly available annual civil aviation reports, we developed an automated workflow for estimating the overall radiation exposure of aircraft pilots caused by galactic cosmic radiation. The workflow comprises several data-processing scripts that work with the batch analysis capability built in the NTHU Flight Dose Calculator . This method can quickly provide best possible estimates of the annual collective and average effective doses received by pilots of various airlines because all passenger, cargo, and charter flights operated that year were considered rather than some selected flights. The workflow and its implementation as well as analysis of results for the period of 2006-2021 are discussed herein. The results revealed that in 2019, six airlines in Taiwan operated 479 separate flight segments with 226 aircraft. The collective effective dose received by all 2,986 pilots was approximately 5,536 person-mSv; hence, the average individual effective dose was 1.85 mSv. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the doses decreased by more than half. In 2020, the collective effective dose received by all 2,936 pilots decreased sharply to 2,527 person-mSv, corresponding to an average effective dose per pilot of only 0.86 mSv. During 2006-2019, the annual average effective dose per pilot in Taiwan was between 1.65 and 2.71 mSv, and the average effective dose rate per flight hour was 3.15 μSv h. -1.

A comparative strategic analysis of China Airlines and EVA Air

The two biggest airlines in Taiwan – China Airlines and EVA Air – face a wide range of similar strategic opportunities and challenges, while also pursuing considerably different strategic priorities in some key areas. This paper conducts a comparative strategic analysis of these two airlines by considering the key success factors (KSFs) of fleet mix and size, international partnerships and cooperation, network scope and global reach, and brand awareness and loyalty. Despite geopolitical restrictions, both carriers have developed sizable fleets, networks and partnerships with a global ambition, effectively creating a duopoly that controls half of the passenger market and almost two-thirds of the cargo market in Taiwan. Their brands are recognized outside Taiwan, although EVA Air enjoys slightly better perception of quality by rating companies and passengers. Yet, external realities have greater potential to determine each airline's future strategic trajectory, rather than internal KSFs. Both airlines help to illustrate the global connectivity that the airline industry can foster and promote, and each provides a counterbalance to regional tensions and divisions by doing so.

Unit load device reassignment following temporary airport closures

In this study, a reassignment model is developed for helping airline planners in reassigning unit load devices (ULDs), which include containers and pallets, to flights after temporary airport closures. The objective of the model is to minimise the system cost, which includes total weighted delay time and the total penalty for leftover ULDs. To test the model's efficiency and applicability, several problem instances of different scales are randomly generated based upon data from an airline in Taiwan. The sensitivity of results is analysed. The results show that as weight capacity increases, more ULDs can be assigned and average ULD delays increase. The approved ULD's quantity per flight increases, while the number of un-assigned ULD and average ULD delay time may decrease. Also, as the ULD weight increases, fewer ULDs can be assigned, and average ULD delay time may increase. The results show the usefulness of the proposed model for actual operations.

Flight rescheduling, fleet rerouting and passenger reassignment for typhoon disruption events

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop a model to help carriers effectively and efficiently deal with flight rescheduling and passenger transport problems after a typhoon disruption event. A network flow technique is employed to construct an optimization model with the objective of minimizing the total operating costs. The model is formulated as an integer multiple network flow problem with certain side constraints, and is characterized as NP-hard. To efficiently solve realistically large problems, a heuristic algorithm is developed. Moreover, a dynamic application framework is proposed to assist decision makers in running the model and adjusting the flight schedule with the passage of time. To evaluate the model and the heuristic algorithm, a case study based on the operations of a major Taiwan airline is performed. The test results demonstrate that the model and the algorithm could be useful references in actual operations.

Relationships among Affect, Hardiness and Self-Efficacy in First Aid Provision by Airline Cabin Crew.

Cabin crews being first responders, passengers’ health assurance is also one of their main responsibilities. This study explored the association among first aid affect, work-related hardiness and self-efficacy of first aid, as well as the mediation role of work-related hardiness in airline cabin crews. Three self-reporting instruments were applied in this study: one was the first aid affect questionnaire, the second was a work-related hardiness questionnaire, the third was self-efficacy of the first aid questionnaire. Data were collected from 525 cabin crew members across five airlines in Taiwan (480 females and 45 males). The results showed that both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that three instruments had satisfactory validity and reliability. Positive significant relationships were found among cabin crews’ first aid affect, work-related hardiness and self-efficacy of first aid. Cabin crews’ commitment dimension of work-related hardiness turned out to be positively related to self-efficacy of first aid. In addition, the results of the study also revealed that cabin crews’ work commitment plays a mediating role between their first aid affect and self-efficacy of first aid. To enhance the self-efficacy of first aid, it is necessary for the airlines to strengthen cabin crews’ work commitment. Furthermore, fostering cabin crews’ first aid affect is also one an important training goal.

A Comprehensive Approach for Estimating Collective and Average Effective Doses of Galactic Cosmic Radiation Received by Pilots.

This study proposes a feasible and comprehensive approach for estimating collective and average effective doses of galactic cosmic radiation received by pilots on the basis of data in publicly available civil aviation annual statistical reports. Large uncertainties are associated with the estimation of these quantities because the radiation environment at aviation altitudes is complex, and a large number of flights operated by various air carriers is involved. A best estimate can be obtained through this approach because it considers all passenger, cargo, and charter flights operated during a long period of time instead of subjectively selecting some representative flights for dose evaluation. The approach becomes feasible and practical with the aid of a special feature called automatic batch analysis in the NTHU Flight Dose Calculator. There are two international airlines in Taiwan: China Airlines and EVA Air. As a demonstration, the collective effective dose received by the 2,513 pilots from the two airlines in 2018 was estimated to be 4,947 person-mSv, and the average effective dose per pilot was 1.97 mSv. These estimates were considered representative because they were based on all 151,526 flight segments operated that year. The assessment of the annual effective doses received by pilots in Taiwan from 2006 to 2018 was performed. The results varied in the range of 1.70-2.97 mSv because of variations in solar activity and operational flight routes. A regression model that can effectively reproduce the derived average effective dose rates on board aircraft was obtained for future application in aircrew dosimetry.

Manpower supply planning for aircraft line maintenance under stochastic incidents

ABSTRACTWe plan the manpower supply for aircraft line maintenance, taking into account two types of stochastic incidents: manpower demands for a flight and the number of aircraft needing to be serviced at one time. The problem is solved to find the shift and maintenance group combinations best suited for the given airline. The optimal aircraft maintenance certification for a crew is also analyzed to improve the entire manpower structure. In addition, the addition of temporary manpower required for actual daily operations is also considered as a part of understanding the total manpower utilized in actual operations. An integrated method including scenario generation and a stochastic model is developed to deal with the problem. Finally, we perform a case study based on operating data obtained from a major airline in Taiwan. The results and findings are compared with the airline’s current manpower plan in the discussion, and suggestions for improvement are made.

Discovering customer value for marketing systems: an empirical case study

Data mining technologies have been employed in a variety of business managements for discovering useful commercial knowledge or marketing model for many years. Hence, the major marketing issue for airlines is to identify and analyse valuable air travellers recently, so that airlines can attract them for enhancing the profits and growth rates. However, growth rates are always an important issue for airline industries. An empirical case of air travellers’ markets in Taiwan is implemented in this research. This research proposes a model (FSLC model, RFM model based) via the data mining technologies to discover valuable travellers for airlines. This study partitions the market of air travellers in Taiwan, and the paper generates useful association rules to find an optimised target market for dynamic marketing or CRM systems. Nevertheless, the results of this research can be applied on marketing or CRM systems of the airline industry for identifying valuable travellers. Finally, the purpose of this research is to find high-value markets for marketing or CRM systems of airlines in Taiwan, and the framework can be applied to other industries as well.

A combined MCDM model based on DEMATEL and ANP for the selection of airline service quality improvement criteria: A study based on the Taiwanese airline industry

The aim of this study is to select airline service quality improvement criteria for the Taiwanese airline industry. Numerous factors such as low railway prices, the development of high-speed rail, increases in petroleum prices, increases in foreign airline competition, and the recent economic depression have led many airlines in Taiwan to encounter financial difficulties and even closure. Researchers have begun to identify critical service quality improvement criteria with the goal of increasing the competitive advantages of airlines. Most of the selected criteria, however, suffer from a major technical problem: all of the measurement dimensions are independent, leading to inadequate criteria for measuring service quality. Our calculations consider the interrelationships and effects among the evaluation dimensions and criteria to precisely rank and select criteria. The value of this study is that it provides airlines with a direction for measuring and improving their service quality with the goal of developing sustained competitive advantage over the long term.

The Consequence of Customer Verbal Aggression

This study integrated research on stimulus–organism–response and COR theory to examine whether customer verbal aggression lead to employee service sabotage through emotional dissonance and whether person-organization fit moderate the relationship between customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance. To achieve this goal, this study surveyed flight attendants employed by six airlines in Taiwan. Out of 1000 questionnaires distributed, 504 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a valid response rate of 50.4 percent. The research results demonstrate that emotional dissonance partially mediates the relationship between the customer verbal aggression and service sabotage. Additionally, person-organization fit negatively moderates the relationship between customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance. Based on these results, suggestions regarding service management are presented as a reference for airlines.

The Consequence of Customer Verbal Aggression-the Moderating Roles of Person-Organization Fit

This study integrated research on stimulus–organism–response and COR theory to examine whether customer verbal aggression lead to employee service sabotage through emotional dissonance and whether person-organization fit moderate the relationship between customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance. To achieve this goal, this study surveyed flight attendants employed by six airlines in Taiwan. Out of 1000 questionnaires distributed, 504 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a valid response rate of 50.4 percent. The research results demonstrate that emotional dissonance partially mediates the relationship between the customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance. Additionally, person-organization fit negatively moderates the relationship between customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance. Based on these results, suggestions regarding service management are presented as a reference for airlines.

Linking customer verbal aggression and service sabotage

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanisms that link customer verbal aggression with service sabotage. Additionally, this study also tests whether emotional dissonance mediates the relationships between customer verbal aggression and the revenge motive, and between customer verbal aggression and service sabotage.Design/methodology/approach– This study investigated flight attendants from six airlines in Taiwan. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were distributed, resulting in the return of 504 valid questionnaires, yielding a valid response rate of 50.4 percent.Findings– The findings demonstrate that: emotional dissonance mediates the relationship between customer verbal aggression and revenge motive; emotional dissonance mediates the relationship between customer verbal aggression and service sabotage; customer verbal aggression is positively related to the revenge motive; revenge motive positively relates to service sabotage.Originality/value– This study has investigated the following: how customer verbal aggression causes revenge motive via the mediation of emotional dissonance, how customer verbal aggression results in service sabotage via the mediation of emotional dissonance. The results provide a basis for making suggestions regarding service management as a reference for airlines.

Effects of Gender Role and Family Support on Work Adjustment Among Male Flight Attendants in Taiwan

The occupation of flight attendant traditionally carries strong gender connotations and expectations. Based on the gender schema theory, in this study we investigated the relationships among work adjustment, family support, and gender role of male flight attendants, and how to improve the work adjustment of the men working in these circumstances. We conducted a survey with 221 male flight attendants employed by the leading airline in Taiwan and found that both gender role and family support had a significant effect on work adjustment. In particular, male flight attendants who had feminine or androgynous gender roles had lower levels of work adjustment and required more family support, whereas flight attendants who had masculine gender roles had higher levels of work adjustment and tended to seek less support from their family. Our findings suggest that both type of gender role and family background influence men's adjustment to working in a female-dominated work environment.

A new procedure of market segmentation for dynamic CRM systems: a case study of airlines in Taiwan

The purpose of this research is to propose a new procedure of clustering to establish new markets by customer values. The research method consists of the AHP procedure and RFM model for travel agencies or airlines industries. An empirical case of air economy class passengers' market in Taiwan is implemented in this research. The research proposed an equation for estimating customer values. Finally, the research found three air passengers' markets by customer values in Taiwan. The research suggests that the procedure and result of this research can be applied on dynamic CRM systems for travel agencies or airlines. However, the framework of this research can be applied on other businesses as well.

Psychological and physiological fatigue variation and fatigue factors in aircraft line maintenance crews

Aircraft maintenance is an integral component of an aviation system. 21% of all reported incidents in the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) are fatigue-related, and 18% of all accidents have maintenance factors involved. Guidelines for Maintenance Resource Management (MRM) are hence developed to combine human factors knowledge with interpersonal skills and personal maintenance skills in order to improve communication effectiveness and safety in aircraft maintenance operations. One of the identified human factors that lead to maintenance errors is fatigue. This paper examined the psychological and physiological fatigue variation in shift workers and the subjective factors affecting the fatigue of line maintenance crews. Questionnaires collected from two major airlines in Taiwan are used to investigate the underlying fatigue factors. Relevance to IndustryBased on the analysis results, several suggestions are provided to airlines to further improve line maintenance crews' work mood and fatigue.

High-performance Human Resource Practices Moderate Flight Attendants' Organizational Commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

The aim in this study was to examine the direct effect of organizational commitment on the organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of flight attendants employed by 6 airlines in Taiwan, and to analyze the moderating role of high-performance human resource practices (HRP) at the organizational level. Data were analyzed via a cross-level analysis using hierarchical linear modeling. Results showed that when flight attendants' affective commitment was stronger, they were more likely to exhibit OCB; when the airlines more actively adopted high-performance HRP, the flight attendants were also more likely to exhibit OCB; and when the airlines valued high-performance HRP, the relationship between the flight attendants' organizational commitment and their OCB behavior was more significant. Managerial implications are discussed and suggestions are made for future research.

Airline network design and adjustment in response to fluctuation in jet fuel prices

This study develops a series of models to determine aircraft types and flight frequencies on individual routes, and evaluate the reliability of proposed network planning during fluctuations in jet fuel prices. The reliability of individual routes is evaluated as to whether revenues from flights with initially proposed flight frequencies and aircraft types can accommodate variations in jet fuel expenditures. We define reliability as the probability that the proposed flight frequencies will operate in at least a break-even condition under future fuel price fluctuations. A case study is provided using an international airline in Taiwan to evaluate its network reliability in response to jet fuel price fluctuations in 2008. The results indicate that not only do routes with low load factors show low reliability, but long distance routes with high load factors also show low reliability during periods with high fuel prices. The results of the study provide effective ways to enhance commercial airline network designs in response to the uncertainty of jet fuel prices.

The Predicament of Domestic Airline Service after the Introduction of Taiwan High-Speed Rail

Abstract The launch of the Taiwan High-speed Rail (HSR) service in 2007 has significantly changed intercity travel in the Taiwan western corridor. The HSR links Taipei with Kaohsiung (Zuoying), a total distance of 345 kilometers (km), via a ninety-minute journey. Notably, this new service has considerably reduced air transportation volumes, bringing about a decline of approximately 70 percent. This study uses statistical data covering the period following the establishment of the high-speed rail to examine its impact on the domestic airline industry. Over relatively short distances, such as 350 km, high-speed rail has various advantages over air travel, including higher frequency and more reliable departures, a central location of departure, and reduced time-consuming security checks, among others. Accordingly, airlines must revise their competitive strategies. This study makes several suggestions, which may be useful for airlines in Taiwan and elsewhere planning to introduce high-speed rail. For example, airlines should consider adopting a low-cost carrier business model as well as focusing on flights to regions not served by high-speed rail. For example, airlines could operate leisure routes linking the populated western seaboard of Taiwan with the east coast and the offshore islands. This approach would facilitate integration between high-speed rail and the airlines. Airlines can incorporate high-speed rail services into their networks as hubs to complement and substitute for short-distance aircraft services.

Performance assessment of transport services with the ERM-NDEA model: evidence from a domestic airline in Taiwan

This paper estimates comprehensive operational performance measures for transport services. A network efficiency approach is used to analyze the production efficiency, service efficiency, and operational efficiency in a unified framework to reflect the transportation service characteristics of airline operations. We show how a modified version of the network data envelopment analysis model can be utilized for evaluating the performance of air route operations. This study considers 15 air routes operated by a domestic airline in Taiwan to highlight the value of the approach. The results of the analysis show the inputs and consumed outputs leading to production inefficiency and service inefficiency respectively as well as the magnitudes of excesses and shortfalls.