When does it make sense to retire an aircraft?
Thread Starter
When does it make sense to retire an aircraft?
I read in Flight that aircraft are being retired earlier and parted out. Obviously with current high fuel prices it makes sense to replace an aircraft such as the 747 with a 77W which has fuel consumption 20 - 25% lower, although capital costs will be higher. I wouldn't have thought that you would save much by retiring an A320 - at least not until the neo comes along. I can calculate the effect of fuel and capital costs but can anyone answer the following questions for me - at least in very general terms:
How much to maintenance costs increase as aircraft age? Presumably you would plan to retire an aircraft such as 747 as it comes due to for its last D check?
What proportion of an aircraft by value can be parted out? Would the cost of acquiring spares for the remainder of a fleet be significantly reduced?
I understand that fuel consumption increases as engines and airframes age? Is this significant and can the clock be "reset" with a heavy overhaul.
Does despatch reliability decrease with age?
How much to maintenance costs increase as aircraft age? Presumably you would plan to retire an aircraft such as 747 as it comes due to for its last D check?
What proportion of an aircraft by value can be parted out? Would the cost of acquiring spares for the remainder of a fleet be significantly reduced?
I understand that fuel consumption increases as engines and airframes age? Is this significant and can the clock be "reset" with a heavy overhaul.
Does despatch reliability decrease with age?
