What does aircraft substitution refer to?

Aircraft substitution specifically refers to the replacement of the originally assigned aircraft for a particular flight or operation. This practice can occur for a variety of reasons, such as technical issues with the scheduled aircraft, operational requirements, or to improve efficiency or safety. When an airline opts to substitute an aircraft, they usually ensure that the replacement is capable of handling the anticipated passenger or cargo load, maintaining safety standards and operational integrity.

While changes to crew members, delays at the destination, or service level downgrades are relevant issues in aviation operations, they do not pertain to the concept of aircraft substitution. Instead, those scenarios address different aspects of flight operations and management. Understanding aircraft substitution is crucial for recognizing how airlines adapt to challenges in real-time to maintain service continuity and customer satisfaction.