The first Airline Quality Rating was developed in 1991 by professors Brent D. Bowen from Purdue University and Dean E. Hadley from Wichita State University as a way to objectively assess airline quality using monthly statistical information. Previous studies relied on infrequently collected data that was primarily subjective.
The Airlines Quality Rating is developed using weighted scores in four main categories based on overall importance. In order of score weighting, they are on-time arrivals and departures, denied boardings, mishandled baggage and customer complaints. Statistics are compiled using United States Department of Transportation information.
The 2010 Airline Quality Rating report indicated more than 75 million people read its findings. It stated that the report also received significant coverage in major media outlets.
