Airline delay time series differentials: Autoregressive integrated moving average model

Abstract

Flight delays affect passenger travel satisfaction and increase airline costs. The authors explore airline differences with a focus on their delays based on autoregressive integrated moving averages. Aviation daily data were used in the analysis and model development. Time series modelling for six airlines was done to predict delays as a function of airport's timeliness performance. Findings show differences in the time series prediction models by airline. Differential analysis in the time series prediction models for airline delay suggests variations in airline efficiencies though at the same airport. The differences could be attributed to different management styles in the countries where the airlines originate. Thus, to improve airport timeliness performance, the study recommends airline disaggregated studies to explore the dynamics attributable to determinants of airline unique characteristics.