Definition of "operational"

Private-equity nabobs bristle at being dubbed mere financiers. […] Much of their pleading is public-relations bluster. Clever financial ploys are what have made billionaires of the industry’s veterans. “Operational improvement” in a portfolio company has often meant little more than promising colossal bonuses to sitting chief executives if they meet ambitious growth targets. That model is still prevalent today.

2013 June 22, “Engineers of a different kind”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8841, page 70

Princess Leia, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.

1977, George Lucas, Governor Tarkin, Star Wars

Despite somewhat faded paintwork, 87017 Iron Duke is clearly very much operational, as confirmed here on September 4.

2022 December 14, “News in pictures: Class 87 soldiers on in Bulgaria”, in RAIL, number 972, page 26, photo caption