Factors Limiting Aircraft Availability

On-time performance (OTP) is a key indicator of an airline’s reliability and efficiency, helping to differentiate it from competitors. However, various factors, such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic control (ATC) constraints, and ground handling efficiency, can affect an airline’s OTP. These issues can negatively impact the airline’s reputation among customers and hinder its standing in the competitive aviation industry. 

Effective planning is crucial to prevent undesirable delays. While some factors leading to delays can be anticipated, others may arise unexpectedly. The following is a compilation of reasons that can result in the grounding of aircraft, causing significant concern along the executive and operational chain. 

Topography and Wind Effects 

While pilots are accustomed to quickly assessing weather parameters such as ceiling and visibility before launching to an airport, certain topographic conditions can put them in unforeseeable situations. 

This is especially true at topographically confined airports where winds are funnelled through canyons, with “one-way-in, one-way-out” techniques such as Aspen and Sun Valley. 

Freezing Precipitation 

Jets flying into less-travelled airports often find themselves in locations with fewer service options than fixed-base operators at busy destinations. This becomes a more significant problem in areas where cold weather requires de-icing fluids.   

With international flights, fuel availability differs, making it difficult to determine whether locally available fuel contains mandatory additives required by the aircraft. 

Unavailability of Overnight Hangars 

Storing an aircraft in a hangar during frigid temperatures or freezing precipitation is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring timely departures. 

When an aircraft is left outside overnight in such conditions, the challenges for the following morning’s departure increase significantly. Utilising heated hangars may be necessary in some cases; however, the limited availability of these facilities can lead to delays in preparing the aircraft for flight. 

Maintenance Issues 

Non-scheduled corrective maintenance at an outstation with local Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) can lead to increased wait times and may impose future restrictions on availability. Additional waiting time may arise from the use of unauthorised methods or the unavailability of approved parts. Implementing a proactive system to monitor and replace worn parts before dispatch can significantly save time, especially when the aircraft is sent to smaller airports with limited facilities. 

Delays Induced by the Owner 

Last-minute changes on business jets, such as additional guests, cargo, or special requests beyond general preparation, require not just an entire reiteration of the weight and balance and re-computation of the aircraft’s performance but also checks against security lists. 

Brookfield Aviation International believes that a proactive approach that necessitates clear communication among dispatchers, pilots, and maintenance technicians is fundamental for any operation. Departments can avoid undesirable delays by anticipating deteriorating weather conditions, airport limitations, or aircraft components nearing the end of their usable life.