Originally Posted by
FlightDetent
......Online sources suggest before the crash around 40 of the -800 were in service compared to 60 stored, accompanied by 25ish -700 all in active service.
I checked that for you. According FR24, all but one of the 109 B737-800 were in regular commercial service in the 2 weeks before 21/3/2022.
The same applies for the B737-700.
Originally Posted by
FlightDetent
Whereas the single-aisle Airbus fleet had 300 active planes flying, above those parked.
I checked that for you. According FR24, MU does have 290 A319/320/321 airplanes.
Originally Posted by
FlightDetent
40+30+400 = 470
470 / 3 (optimistic, double the real today's sector count) = around 15 planes needed and 320 left unused beyond those mothballed.
Keeping the 800s grounded altogether, with 40 hulls, is an irreleveant decision that costs nothing and has some marketing potential for damage control.
Given your starting figures are off, I think, the conclusion has become wobbly too.