Subject category:
Production and Operations Management
Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 21 June 2002
Abstract
The number of connecting passengers through Southwest Airlines' Baltimore station has grown 100% CAGR since 1997. Originally designed as a point-to-point network, this load of connecting passengers has been stressing Baltimore ground operations, resulting in an erosion of service quality and difficulties in achieving fast plane turnarounds - one of the key elements of Southwest's low-cost strategy. This case presents comparative data to illuminate the key elements of Southwest's operating strategy and provides detailed information about the activities and information flows required to turn around a plane, allowing for a meaningful analysis of the process - eg, resource utilization, capacity, bottlenecks, and coordination mechanisms. A rewritten version of an earlier case.
About
Abstract
The number of connecting passengers through Southwest Airlines' Baltimore station has grown 100% CAGR since 1997. Originally designed as a point-to-point network, this load of connecting passengers has been stressing Baltimore ground operations, resulting in an erosion of service quality and difficulties in achieving fast plane turnarounds - one of the key elements of Southwest's low-cost strategy. This case presents comparative data to illuminate the key elements of Southwest's operating strategy and provides detailed information about the activities and information flows required to turn around a plane, allowing for a meaningful analysis of the process - eg, resource utilization, capacity, bottlenecks, and coordination mechanisms. A rewritten version of an earlier case.
Settings
Location:
Industry:
Size:
USD4.7 billion revenues, 26,506 employees
Other setting(s):
2001