Using Lean Six Sigma Tools to Evaluate Air Travel Delays from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, P.R.

Abstract

There has been an increase in the demand for air transportation creating more delays in flights. It is important for Puerto Rico to manage more efficiently their air transportation to be able to maintain a continuous flow of flights and prevent losing considerable amounts of money in flight delays. It is possible to analyze statistical data from Luis Muñoz Marin to identify areas that cause delayed departures. Using Lean Six Sigma tools, it is possible to understand better the causes of delays and then create plans to improve and reduce these. After analysis, it is possible to say that in 2013, the season with more passengers was summer and that the majority travel to Florida. Another observation is that the major causes of delays are aircraft late arrivals and air carrier delays. This type of analysis could be used by any airline to identify areas that they could improve. Key Terms - Air travel delay, Causes of Delay, Lean Six Sigma, Luis Muñoz Marin.