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Optimal leasing and airlines' cost efficiency: A stochastic frontier analysis

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  • Bourjade, Sylvain
  • Muller-Vibes, Catherine

Abstract

In this paper, we use an original and rich dataset (containing yearly data on 134 airlines worldwide, for the period 2007–2019) to empirically test the cost efficiency gains resulting from airlines’ leasing choices, using a stochastic frontier approach. Our objective is to evaluate whether airlines’ choices of leasing are driven by incentives to reduce cost inefficiency. Our estimation confirms the role of leasing as strategic to improve airlines’ operational efficiency. We also compute airlines’ optimal level of leasing and provide accurate measures of airlines’ economic efficiency. Finally, we show that airlines do not benefit from leasing in the same proportions depending on their ability to have access to capital markets as a funding source, on the extent to which governments own part of the airline’s shares and may act as a guarantee for investors, or on their business model.

Suggested Citation

  • Bourjade, Sylvain & Muller-Vibes, Catherine, 2023. "Optimal leasing and airlines' cost efficiency: A stochastic frontier analysis," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:176:y:2023:i:c:s0965856423002240
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2023.103804
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leasing; Operating Cost; Stochastic Frontier; Airline Industry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L93 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Air Transportation

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