Multi-criteria performance evaluation of an airline maintenance programme – A case study

Abstract

It has always been a concern to most airline operators why their aircraft are on the ground despite all the resources being incurred on maintenance. It is the main goal of this study to evaluate the performance of an airline maintenance programme. Primary data were sourced from the maintenance department of a local airline operator while the secondary data were sourced from aviation journals and statutory regulatory provisions respectively. The information obtained was quantitatively analysed according to maintenance practice factor (MPF), maintenance practice contribution (MPC) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Maintenance practices analysed were; visual inspection, servicing, lubrication, cleaning and checking. Cleaning had the highest maintenance practice with a mean MPF of 95.3%. Scheduled maintenance method had the highest contribution of use with a mean MPC of 100%, showing how effective it is. The AHP revealed that the Logistics and Planning elements of the maintenance programme contribute more to the success of the maintenance programme with a contribution of value for money of 26.1%. The consistency ratios indicate consistency in the judgments obtained from experts in the maintenance department. To have aircraft that are ready to fly, emphasis should be placed on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Logistics and Planning activities of the airline’s maintenance department.