The Evaluation of Fleet Structures in Turkish Aviation Industry from Strategic Management Point of View

Abstract

Turkish airline industry became one of the fastest growing industries in Turkey, after liberalization allows airline companies to compete on scheduled flights. The change in government policy boosted number of domestic passengers and this growth resulted in a significant extension at fleets of airline companies. The fleet decisions became a critical issue which has a strategic importance. Composition and age of the fleet are critical factors that affect the competitiveness. Moreover, the range of the planes in fleet is strategically important. It affects the network structure and must be harmonious with the strategies of the company such as the total capacity. The aim of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the fleet structures of Turkish airline companies and their fleet decisions from strategic management point of view. Ability to operate successfully as announced to public by schedules, elasticity to meet the fluctuating demand and to secure growth and sustainability in market are all affected by fleet decisions.