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When to Replace Airplanes


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#1
alex1154555

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It's hitting the point where my planes are getting to double digit ages. When would it make sense to replace them?

#2
jusku

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Good question...i usually start to replace them as the get past 15 years, as maintenance coast will grow by a lot. And new and more efficient aircraft will be available...and it also helps you to get a good reputation as the age of your fleet counts as well.
In real life though, 15 years for an aircraft is not that much. For example: UA 14,8; DL 15,5; AA 14,8 (MD80 Fleet 19,8!!)... (average fleet age).

#3
alex1154555

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Good question...i usually start to replace them as the get past 15 years, as maintenance coast will grow by a lot. And new and more efficient aircraft will be available...and it also helps you to get a good reputation as the age of your fleet counts as well.
In real life though, 15 years for an aircraft is not that much. For example: UA 14,8; DL 15,5; AA 14,8 (MD80 Fleet 19,8!!)... (average fleet age).

Thank you. I will replace my planes when they hit 15 years old, and yes in real life it is much different. I know AA did have the oldest fleet in the industry at one point in recent history. I know some of their MD80s are almost 30 years old. It's pretty crazy.

#4
jusku

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But thats just my opinion, in the end it's your choice. You have to figure out how it works the best for you.
So when an aircraft hits the 10th year of service, i start to order new ac and replace the entire fleet one by one, it takes a while.
But i've made a mistake, i leased two Airbus A310 for 10 years, when the contract expires they will be 16 years old...too old for me, i may cancel the lease earlier...

#5
violetQueen

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AA have never had the oldest fleet in the industry lmfao... what about airlines in South America, Africa? Puhlease...those MD80s are relatively young compared to airlines flying 737-200s and DC-9s. Back in 2008 AA was tapping on 15 years average with NW on 18 years average and DL on 14 years average... so when NW and DL merged the DL age hopped AA.

Yeah AA has early-built 767s and 757s but so does DL and UA...


I liked TW and it's gone. NW, and it's gone. CO, and it's gone. Pray I don't like you.

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#6
NilsOlavThePenguin

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I usually do it before the age of 10 but only if there is a replacement.

#7
violetQueen

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if you leased them for 10 year the should be 10 year old


Unless he leased them from the used market and they were 6 years old when he leased them...


I liked TW and it's gone. NW, and it's gone. CO, and it's gone. Pray I don't like you.

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#8
alex1154555

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But thats just my opinion, in the end it's your choice. You have to figure out how it works the best for you.
So when an aircraft hits the 10th year of service, i start to order new ac and replace the entire fleet one by one, it takes a while.
But i've made a mistake, i leased two Airbus A310 for 10 years, when the contract expires they will be 16 years old...too old for me, i may cancel the lease earlier...

I think it is a reasonable one assuming the aircraft is not outdated and inefficient compared to other aircraft similar. Also I've learned you can just buy the airplane from the lessor and then sell it right after, instead of terminating your lease, and it not just saves you the termination fee but you can come out with a few million extra. I've only done this with airplanes no older than nine years but it may work with older aircraft too.

#9
jusku

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Unless he leased them from the used market and they were 6 years old when he leased them...

thats how it was

#10
El Cobrador

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I think it is a reasonable one assuming the aircraft is not outdated and inefficient compared to other aircraft similar. Also I've learned you can just buy the airplane from the lessor and then sell it right after, instead of terminating your lease, and it not just saves you the termination fee but you can come out with a few million extra. I've only done this with airplanes no older than nine years but it may work with older aircraft too.


I've started leasing aircraft with a ten-year lease to lower the monthly leasing costs then, when I'm ready to replace them, buying them from the lessor and immediately reselling them for the same reason as you give. Of course, for whatever reason, I often tend to start replacing planes at five years of age or so.

#11
Delta787

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I usually start to replace mine at around the 12 to 15 year mark and by that time, I own them and can replace them with a newer model aircraft or, in the case of the 757, there is no suitable replacement, order replacement aircraft so when production stops, I will have fresh planes coming in. Just my $.02 :D

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#12
Shaq

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Right now my whole fleet is fairly new, but I'll be replacing it when they get 10 years old.

#13
-Newcdn

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For me it depends on the aircraft type.

For example, my 747-400s will be flying for about 14-16 years and I will replace them with 777-300ER. My 737-400s are currently being replaced as they reach the end of their 10 year leases with new A320-200s. I currently have no replacement plans for the 757-200s, they will be flying for at least 15 years. My 767-300ERs will be replaced by 787-8s, so they will be flying for 20-22 years (although I'm evaluating the A330-200, which can be used to replace the oldest 767s). I will be replacing the MD-11s and A340s fairly quickly, after they reach about 7-8 years age with new 777-200ER aircraft.

#14
Guest_jackjfh1_*

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A320's that I've had for 12 years will be replaced by 739ER's and A321's.

#15
Aslakk

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I have some old planes but they will be replaced this 2011 year ( Il-96-300 replaced by new 787¨s). also replacing some old fokker-100 planes atm whit Tu Tu-204-100 .
the Tu-334-100 fleet is still young and dont need replacements. I have an 20 year old A320-200 who will be replaced soon and the A319-100LR is still young 1 to 6 years old average. anyway I think 15 years is what I would call a ( time to replace) age for a plane.

#16
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Russian planes use a lot of fuel, so i will use 787-9's and A350-900R's when they come out, to add to my 722LR fleet.

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#17
Aslakk

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The Russian planes may use fuel but they are way cheaper in maintaince (Tupolev) than others in same size

#18
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Ok, I'll add the Tu-204-100 to my fleet to boost by African Routes from FCO and LIN.

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