Financial and Operational Performance Analysis Using LOPCOW Based MARCOS Method: A Case Study of the Asian Airline Market

The purpose of the study is to view how companies operating in the Asian airline market responded to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aims to compare the financial and operational performance of airlines in the Asian airline market before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the financial and operational performance of 18 airlines in the Asian airline market for the period 2019-2022 was analysed using the Lopcow-based Marcos method. Firstly, financial and operational variables related to airlines were weighted using the Lopcow method. As a result of the weighting conducted with the Lopcow method, it was determined that the Dept Ratio and ROA variables had the most weight on the performance of these airlines. Subsequently, the performance ranking of airlines was conducted using the Marcos method. According to the ranking results obtained by the Marcos method; Spring Airlines (2019), Qantas Airways (2020), Air Arabia (2021) and Singapore Airlines (2022) were found to have the best performance. This study will make a significant contribution to the performance management of airlines in the Asian airline market. It will provide airline managers with insights and guidance on how to enhance the performance of their airlines during periods of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.