Evaluation of Aircraft Procurement Criteria in Commercial Aviation: A MCDM Approach

This study examines the aircraft procurement process, a significant strategic investment decision requiring high capital for modern commercial airlines, from a multidimensional perspective. It analyzes decision-making criteria using a quantitative approach within a holistic framework. The research begins by systematically detailing the ten-step procurement process, from fleet planning to commissioning. Following this, six key decision criteria such as purchase cost, fuel efficiency, technical capacity, and fleet compatibility are identified through a literature review. The methodological framework of the study is based on data collected from a group of seven experts such as experienced pilots, finance specialists, and academics in the civil aviation sector and analyzed using the Best-Worst Method (BWM) of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The analysis results reveal that initial investment costs (CAPEX) and financing conditions are more dominant determinants than operational savings (OPEX) in airline management. The findings indicate that modern aircraft selection decisions are not solely based on superior technical performance, but rather on a strategic balance that prioritizes liquidity management, financial sustainability, and operational integration.