Initial Provisioning Of Rotable Spares For Airlines: A Case Study

Abstract

when a large airline buys a fleet of a new type of aircraft, it also has to spend millions of dollars on spares. Different OR models have been used by various airlines over the years to assist in the purchasing decision. This paper describes an evaluation of three different models that were considered by Air Canada for provisioning the LlOll and concludes that the choice of model is less significant than was at first thought.

Résumé

Quand une grande compagnie aérienne fait l’acquisition d’une flotte d’avions d’un type nouveau, elle doit aussi se procurer des rechanges aéronautiques qui representent des millions de dolars. Au fil des ans, les transporteurs aériens se sont aidés de divers modéles de recherche opérationnelle pour arrêter leurs décisions en matière d’achat. Dans son etude, l’auteur prèsente une évaluation des trois modèles auxquels Air Canada s’est intéressée pour l’approvisionnement de ses rechanges de L-1101, et conclut que le choix du modfele est moins important qu’il ne le paraissait de prime abord.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

J.D. Davidson

DOUG DAVIDSON was born and educated in Scotland. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering L and a Master’s degree in OR. He joined the OR group in Air Canada in Montreal and later moved to the Finance Branch in Winnipeg where he is presently Manager, Einancial Information Services. His CORS activities include four years as Bulletin Editor, Program Chairman of the 1973 conference, and President of the Montreal and Winnipeg Sections. At various times he has taught OR on a part-time basis at Concordia University and at the University of Manitoba. He has been involved in the activities of the Airline Group of INFORS and has contributed a number of papers to its proceedings. Previous papers have also appeared in INTERFACES and the OR Quarterly.