METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A SUPPLY OF AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH NON-ENGINE DRIVE MEANS FOR USE BY AIRLINES
First Claim
1. A method for ensuring availability of aircraft when needed by an airline, comprising maintaining a supply of efficiently operating aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement at selected geographic locations in a condition available for immediate use by at least one airline when a spare or replacement aircraft is required to enable said at least one airline to continue service without interruption.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for maintaining a supply of available aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement is provided that enables an air carrier, particularly a low cost carrier, to operate reliably, efficiently, and economically to provide substantially uninterrupted air transport service. The present method is designed to enable airlines with fleets of older aircraft retrofitted with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to operate economically and efficiently through a cooperative arrangement with a maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider that maintains and ensures an available supply network of spare and backup aircraft. The supply network may be global in geographic scope and may provide spare or backup aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means to one or more airlines.
22 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. A method for ensuring availability of aircraft when needed by an airline, comprising maintaining a supply of efficiently operating aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement at selected geographic locations in a condition available for immediate use by at least one airline when a spare or replacement aircraft is required to enable said at least one airline to continue service without interruption.
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7. A method for ensuring an available supply of aircraft for a number of airlines, comprising providing and maintaining a pool of spare aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement available for use by a plurality of air carriers;
- providing a maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider equipped to provide, maintain, pre-position in selected geographic locations, and operate a fleet of said aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement so that said aircraft are available for service when needed by one or more of the plurality of air carriers.
- View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
Specification