How long do airlines keep their planes?

A modern commercial aircraft costs anywhere between $80 million and $400 million and the average lifespan of a commercial aeroplane is around 20 years, 51,000 flight hours and 75,000 pressurisation cycles.

How often are airplanes replaced?

Even though the lifespan of an airplane is around 25 years as stated earlier, most airplanes are dismantled when they reach 18 years old. The decision to disassemble an aircraft and sell the parts usually depends on whether the value of its parts and components is higher than that of the airplane as an aircraft.

What is the average age of a commercial airliner?

On average, aircraft are retired after around 25 years. The general pattern is that more established markets and carriers have older fleets.

How long does a 747 last?

A Boeing 747 can endure about 35,000 pressurization cycles and flights—roughly 135,000 to 165,000 flight hours—before metal fatigue sets in. 747s are retired after approximately 27 years of service. Early wide-body planes, like the Lockheed Tri-Star, have shorter lifespans, lasting an average of 24 years.

What is considered an old airplane?

While the average age of a U.S. domestic commercial airliner is 11 years old, it is not uncommon for aircraft to still be in service at 24, 25, even 30 years old. “You look at various airlines, and although American is phasing out its MD-80s, those planes are well into their 20s.

Which airline has the oldest fleet in the world?

JetBlue Airways’ fleet is 11.4 years old on average, Spirit Airlines’ is 6.8 years old and Frontier Airlines’ fleet is 4.2 years old….OLDEST FLEET.