Analysis of direct operating cost of wide-body passenger aircraft: A parametric study based on Hong Kong

Abstract

Analysis of the Direct Operating Cost (DOC) of aircraft is an important step towards achieving financially sustainable aviation operations. However, the value of the DOC for different aircraft types and flight scenarios is not widely available. In this study, we perform a systematic analysis of the DOC of every wide-body passenger aircraft currently in production, using the method of the Association of European Airlines (AEA). The elements of the DOC, e.g. financial costs, maintenance costs, and flight costs, are evaluated individually. Several realistic flight scenarios are considered, each with differences in route distance, fuel price, passenger number, and seating arrangement. For each flight scenario, the most cost-efficient aircraft type is identified and evaluated in the context of operations from Hong Kong International Airport. The information provided in this study could be useful to airline operators and policy makers.