A Socio-technical systems analysis of increasing operational efficiency: Why human factors solutions developed without reference to the wider context may not work

A sociotechnical systems framework, which reflects the organization and operation of an airline, is discussed. This approach must encompass the societal environment and take into account the role of the Management which is also central to efficiency. To derive the maximum potential gains in efficiency through the optimum utilization of Direct Routing airspace, additional effort is needed to be expended on training and educating pilots in all aspects of aircraft performance. Significant increases resulting from enhancements in the efficiency of any one component of the system alone for operation of airliners are unlikely. Neither human factors, flight operations or aircraft engineering can be considered in isolation from this socio-technical context.