As an aftermath of the recent turbulence in the aviation industry, low-cost airlines are seeking innovative strategies to cut back on expenditure and sustain their operations. One significant area where budget airlines are making adjustments is their fleets. The emphasis now is more on cost efficiency, operational durability, and flexibility. A significant number of airlines are weighing their options for a more sustainable future, with new planes being at the center of these strategic moves.
Low-cost airlines are cutting back on older, less efficient models of aircraft in favor of newer, more fuel-efficient types. The expense of operating older, less efficient planes has, in most cases, proven to be an unnecessary burden on these airlines’ accounts. Investing in advanced, eco-friendly aircraft models, on the other hand, presents airlines with the opportunity to save on fuel, which often constitutes a substantial proportion of airlines’ operating costs.
Furthermore, airlines are also cutting down on their fleet sizes. Maintaining large fleets presents several challenges, including high maintenance costs, bigger carbon footprints, and more logistic complexity. By operating a smaller number of aircraft, low-cost airlines can simplify their operations and focus resources on ensuring superior service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Take for instance, Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest budget airlines, has already made moves in this direction by purchasing a new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft during the pandemic. These jets are 16% more fuel-efficient than the ones previously used, underscoring the drive towards more sustainable and economically viable operations.
Similarly, Ted Airlines, a subsidiary of United Airlines, announced a plan to renew its fleet by replacing older types of aircraft with the Airbus A320 Neo model. This model is a popular choice among low-cost airlines for its fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, lower noise pollution, and superior aerodynamic performance.
Another potential area of cutback is the onboard amenities and space for leisure amenities. Several low-cost airlines are considering a reduction in cabin space in their new fleet of planes. This means fewer legroom, smaller lavatories, and less overhead storage. Such a step allows airlines to add additional seats, increasing potential revenue for each flight. This move, however, is a tricky balancing act, as it could hamper customer experience and brand reputation.
Lastly, airlines are also making cutbacks on the types of aircraft they purchase. Instead of buying expensive wide-body aircraft that operates longer routes (and often comes with higher maintenance costs), budget airlines are tilting towards narrow-bodied aircraft, which are easier to maintain and operate and require fewer crew members.
In conclusion, low-cost airlines’ shift towards buying new, more efficient planes represents a strategic move to cut their costs, boost their bottom line, and adapt to the global drive for a more sustainable aviation industry. These changes may alter the customer experience, but low-cost airlines hope that cheaper fares and more efficient service delivery will make up for any shortcomings.
