HI all, I am extremely excited about the next world to start because it will be my first chance to start in a world that isn't already established.
Any advice on how to survive the new world or what to expect?
Well, choose a niche, and stick to it. Check your prices.
As it's a short game, you can safely go up to 3 fleet types, but don't jump on it. Communality costs can eat the benefit of 3-4 planes. So choose a first type, fill everything you can with that single type of plane, and only then, look for something else.
First choose a hub with decent demands. No need to choose popular hubs with loads of competitors.
Leased Aircrafts. Lease suitable aircrafts with the same aircraft type. If possible, keep to 1 aircraft type and same engine model. This will keep commonality costs low.
- MD90s/A320s/B738 are suitable for ranges up to 2500NM
- Airbus 330s/340s are much cheaper than B777s for equivalent range
- Airbus 300-600 / Boeing 737 classics are cheap, but 5 years down the road you'll have to replace them.
- Ageing fleet for start is ok, you'll make enough money to replace them after a few years
Fuel Management
No reason to get tied to fuel contract early in the game. Expect fuel prices to rise after the first year. If fuel is really really low and you see the trend spiking up, hedge fuel at own risk).
Route Planning
Keep flying the same routes if possible. Don't worry when you start a new route. Load factor will initially be low but will increase in time.
Maximise fleet utilization hours. Aircraft sitting on ground is not making money.