Aircraft entering into the storage facilities in Az, Ca, Nm are not all retirements. Often these are placed into storage by the operators or lessors (asset owners) as economically that is the most appropriate implementation for them at this time.
In respect of retirements an aircraft is only retired when the data plate is cut off. That's it it will never fly again.
The decision to retire an aircraft is dependent on the type, the accumulated parts value its maintenance status and return to service considerations.
Often, it is the case that the lessor is better off to place the aircraft into storage and keep the write down on the asset, especially when there is little prospect of placing the aircraft onto contract at terms that are financially viable.
Yes there are aircraft going into storage, and yes retirements are occurring, though the retirements we have been working on are subject to maintenance status and recoverable parts values.
Likewise with the property market, many aircraft were bought at high values which are not achievable right now.
The Exec jet market is hurting too, there are a lot to choose from with both listed and un-listed aircraft. Its getting worse.
Right now i am seeing some very attractively priced assets for disposal, however, the financial capacity to fund acquisitions is not available.