efficiency evaluation of mahan air compared to iata member airlines in middle east and africa

abstract efficiency concept has a long history in the sciences and its measurement and analysis is a vital importance for firms to achieve the best performance. hence, the aim of this paper is efficiency evaluation of mahan air compared to iata member airlines in middle east and africa. for this purpose, the indicators include available ton kilometer, revenue ton kilometer, revenue passenger kilometer, available seat kilometer, number of employee and fleet, operating expense and operating revenue. these data collected by statistical annual reports available in airlines and air transport authorities websites for 15 airlines that analyzed by using standard and two stages dea approaches. the results show only two emirates airline and ethiopian airlines are efficient and mahan air has acquired third place among surveyed companies that relative increase in revenue passenger kilometer, revenue ton kilometer and operating revenue are required for efficiency of mahan air. in addition, surveyed companies are less than capacity about 27% in which middle east airlines are7% more efficient than african airlines.