What is the Turnaround Time of a Plane?
The turnaround time of a plane refers to the time required to prepare an aircraft for its next flight after landing. It includes a series of essential tasks such as passenger disembarkation, refueling, cleaning, loading new passengers and cargo, and conducting safety checks.
Efficient turnaround time is critical for airlines to maintain schedules, reduce operational costs, and maximize revenue. Airlines strive to minimize turnaround time to increase aircraft utilization and ensure smooth airport operations.
Typical Turnaround Time for Different Aircraft Types
The turnaround time varies based on the aircraft size, airline procedures, and airport efficiency.
| Aircraft Type | Typical Turnaround Time | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Jets | 20 – 40 minutes | Embraer E175, Bombardier CRJ900 |
| Narrow-Body Aircraft | 30 – 60 minutes | Boeing 737, Airbus A320 |
| Wide-Body Aircraft | 60 – 90 minutes | Boeing 777, Airbus A350 |
| Super Jumbo Jets | 90 – 120 minutes | Airbus A380, Boeing 747 |
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) often reduce turnaround times by simplifying boarding, reducing catering services, and using faster cleaning procedures.
Key Turnaround Processes
1. Passenger Disembarkation (5-15 minutes)
- Passengers exit the aircraft through jet bridges or stairs.
- Airlines optimize deboarding strategies to reduce congestion.
2. Cargo and Baggage Unloading (10-30 minutes)
- Luggage and cargo are unloaded from underbelly cargo holds.
- Ground crews use conveyor belts and tugs for efficiency.
3. Aircraft Refueling (10-40 minutes)
- Takes place simultaneously with other services.
- Large aircraft require longer refueling times due to bigger fuel tanks.
4. Cabin Cleaning and Maintenance (10-30 minutes)
- Trash is removed, seats are wiped, and restrooms are cleaned.
- Quick maintenance checks ensure flight-readiness.
5. Catering and Restocking (10-25 minutes)
- Food, drinks, and onboard items are replenished.
- Some airlines minimize catering to reduce turnaround time.
6. Passenger Boarding (15-40 minutes)
- Boarding efficiency depends on airline policies (e.g., zone boarding, rear-to-front boarding).
- Larger aircraft take longer to board.
7. Pre-Flight Checks and Pushback (10-20 minutes)
- Pilots and ground crew conduct final safety inspections.
- Aircraft is pushed back from the gate using a tow tug.
Factors That Affect Turnaround Time
1. Airport Infrastructure
- Smaller airports may have limited gates, fueling stations, and ground support.
- Busy airports can experience delays due to congestion and limited taxi space.
2. Airline Policies
- Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Southwest prioritize quick turnarounds.
- Full-service carriers may have longer turnarounds due to catering, baggage handling, and premium services.
3. Passenger Load
- Fully booked flights take longer to board and disembark.
- Delays occur if passengers arrive late, require assistance, or fail to show up.
4. Cargo and Baggage Volume
- International flights with large cargo loads require more time.
- Efficient baggage handling systems reduce delays.
5. Aircraft Size and Type
- Larger aircraft require more extensive cleaning, baggage unloading, and refueling.
- Narrow-body planes are faster to turn around than wide-body jets.
Strategies to Reduce Turnaround Time
1. Parallel Operations
- Performing multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., cleaning while refueling) speeds up turnaround.
2. Faster Boarding Procedures
- Airlines experiment with rear-to-front boarding, zone boarding, and single-door boarding to speed up the process.
3. Improved Ground Handling Efficiency
- Airports invest in automated baggage systems, better refueling trucks, and optimized cleaning teams.
4. Digital Technology and AI
- Real-time tracking of baggage, catering, and passenger boarding helps reduce delays.
