Assessing the relative efficiency of aircraft maintenance technologies: an application of data envelopment analysis

This study focuses on discretionary maintenance strategies and their relationship to aircraft reliability, as measured by the percentage of scheduled flights delayed because of mechanical problems. The methodology of Data Envelopment Analysis is employed to identify the various strategies employed by the major airlines over the time period 1990-1994. Additionally, this methodology allows for a normative assessment as to which strategies are relatively efficient. Furthermore, the specific strategies utilized by efficient and inefficient airlines can be compared at a micro-level and thus quantifiable recommendations for the latter group can be suggested.