CASK (Cost per Available Seat Kilometer)
CASK is a key measurement used in the airline industry to understand how much it costs an airline to fly one seat for one kilometer, regardless of whether that seat has a passenger in it or not. Think of it like knowing how much it costs to run a bus per seat, even if some seats are empty. Airlines use this number to compare their efficiency with other airlines and to make important business decisions about routes, ticket prices, and operations. It's sometimes also called "unit cost" or "operating cost per ASK." When you see this term on a resume, it usually means the person has experience in airline financial analysis, route planning, or operational efficiency.
Examples in Resumes
Reduced CASK by 15% through implementation of fuel efficiency programs
Analyzed Cost per Available Seat Kilometer trends across regional routes
Led team projects focused on improving CASK metrics through operational changes
Typical job title: "Airline Financial Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Airline Financial Analysts
Professional Aviation Groups
Industry Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you use CASK analysis to make strategic decisions about fleet planning?
Expected Answer: A senior analyst should explain how CASK helps compare different aircraft types' operating costs, considering factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and capacity to make recommendations about fleet composition and route planning.
Q: How would you improve an airline's CASK position in a competitive market?
Expected Answer: Should discuss various cost reduction strategies like optimizing crew scheduling, improving fuel efficiency, negotiating better supplier contracts, and implementing more efficient maintenance programs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors influence CASK and how would you track them?
Expected Answer: Should mention key cost components like fuel, labor, maintenance, airport fees, and explain how these are monitored and analyzed to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Q: How does CASK relate to route profitability?
Expected Answer: Should explain how CASK helps evaluate route performance by comparing it with revenue per seat kilometer, and how this information guides decisions about continuing or discontinuing routes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is CASK and why is it important for airlines?
Expected Answer: Should explain that CASK measures the cost to operate one seat for one kilometer, and why this helps airlines compare efficiency across different routes and with competitors.
Q: How would you calculate basic CASK?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the simple formula: total operating costs divided by total available seat kilometers, and list main cost categories included in the calculation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of airline costs
- Data collection and reporting
- Simple CASK calculations
- Use of basic analysis tools
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed cost analysis
- Route profitability assessment
- Competitive analysis
- Cost reduction project participation
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic cost management
- Fleet planning expertise
- Network optimization
- Team leadership in financial planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic airline economics
- Inability to explain different cost components
- Lack of experience with aviation data analysis
- No knowledge of industry benchmarks and standards
Related Terms
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