Examining airline inefficiency and its drivers: an application of the Weighted Russell Direction Distance Method
thesis
posted on 2025-01-09, 07:45authored byDavid Lyle James Copley
This thesis examines airline efficiency over a decade, contributing to the literature in several ways. It uses an innovative approach to measure the level of inefficiency of resources including employees, fuel, and fleet. The new fleet proxy variable, correctly specifies fleet. The thesis assesses the effects of airline ownership and presence of unions on inefficiencies. The study also examines how airlines responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on stakeholder impact, including taxpayers, employees and customers. The findings suggest that improving airline efficiency could benefit both the industry and society, prompting a re-evaluation of corporate practices and social responsibility frameworks.
History
Thesis type
Thesis (PhD)
Thesis note
Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Swinburne University of Technology, 2025.