Book excerpt: Written by a range of international industry practitioners, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the essence and nature of airline operations in terms of an operational and regulatory framework, the myriad of planning activities leading up to the current day, and the nature of intense activity that typifies both normal and disrupted airline operations. The first part outlines the importance of the regulatory framework underpinning airline operations, exploring how airlines structure themselves in terms of network and business model. The second part draws attention to the operational environment, explaining the framework of the air traffic system and processes instigated by operational departments within airlines. The third part presents a comprehensive breakdown of the activities that occur on the actual operating day. The fourth part provides an eye-opener into events that typically go wrong on the operating day and then the means by which airlines try to mitigate these problems. Finally, a glimpse is provided of future systems, processes, and technologies likely to be significant in airline operations. Airline Operations: A Practical Guide offers valuable knowledge to industry and academia alike by providing readers with a well-informed and interesting dialogue on critical functions that occur every day within airlines.