Decision criteria and applications of multi-criteria decision making methods in the selection process of business jet models

Along with the growing and globalizing economy each year, company executives increasingly require more flexible travel models. Some financially capable companies are able to make their travel needs as flexible as possible under current conditions by acquiring business jets. However, it is not always possible for every company seeking to purchase a business jet to have knowledge in business aviation and business jets. Managing these processes, which involve numerous criteria, multiple aircraft manufacturers, and various business jet models, is quite challenging. Even with consulting services, it is often difficult to approach the process systematically and reach rational conclusions. This study, aimed at managing the decision-making process for selecting a rational and transparent business jet model, is designed as a qualitative research endeavor. Initially, decision criteria for selecting a business jet model are classified and defined by examining similar studies in the existing literature. The processes of selecting a business jet model and purchasing a business jet for four companies are observed through a case analysis method. Data are obtained through these observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with the decision-making managers of these four companies. The relevant data are analyzed using Analytic Hierarchy Process, SWARA, TOPSIS, MOORA, and Copeland multi-criteria decision-making methods with the assistance of an expert manager from another company specializing in business jet sales and purchasing consultancy. Rankings are established for suitable business jet models for each participating company. The conclusion has been drawn that the decision-making process of determining the business jet model can be managed using the methods applied in this study, as the rankings obtained align with the information and statistics published by aviation and private jet institutes.