Article at a glance:

The hidden value in airline operations

Although the airlines move nearly five million people more than 40 million miles every day, they also lose bags, depart late, and don't fully utilize their valuable aircraft and personnel. Few carriers scrutinize their operations the way an industrial engineer would a factory. If they did, they would see that the lean-manufacturing techniques pioneered by Toyota have enormous potential to reduce costs, improve asset utilization, enhance service, and strengthen safety.

The take-away

Airlines can use the same lean techniques employed by operational leaders in other industries to differentiate themselves not only during today's challenging times but also in the future. The maintenance shop is the place to start; from there, opportunities abound in baggage handling, ground operations, and customer service.