Dead Head Flight

Dead Head Flight

What is a Dead Head Flight?

Understanding Dead Head Flights in Airline Operations

A Dead Head Flight occurs when flight crew members are transported as passengers to position them for their next assignment.

Dead Head Flight or Empty Leg refers to a flight leg where an aircraft operates without any passengers or cargo. It's often associated with the return leg of a charter flight or for repositioning.

• Operational Reasons: Dead heading may occur for various reasons, including returning an aircraft to its base, moving it to another airport for a subsequent flight, or relocating for maintenance.
• Cost Implications: While necessary, dead head flights are not revenue-generating for airlines or charter services, leading to increased operational costs.
• Planning Considerations: Airlines and charter companies often try to minimize dead head flights through efficient scheduling and route planning.

Dead head flights are a logistical aspect of aviation operations, necessary for various operational reasons but typically not generating direct revenue.