3 replies to this topic

[Xstep]

At what point should I start buying aircraft vs. leasing them. And should I invest in a 737 fleet. Right now I have a fleet of Fokker 100's and 1 Fokker 70.

[Airboss777]

Depends on what sort of planes you want but I generally wait till I've got about a billion in the bank.

 

The 737 classics are good value but the NG's (-700/800) are a bit pricey. The MD-81 is also a good value plane when you're starting out.It's not as fuel efficient as a 737 but $20m cheaper. Eventually you'll have so much money you wont care.

 

The Fokker 100 is a workhorse but the 70 is a bit of a gas guzzler for the lesser pax capacity. For routes under 500 miles you'd do better with something like ATR-72's.

 

Good luck. PM me if you need help.

[Pacific]

I find leasing dirt cheap. Leasing 21 planes at a time produces the cheapest lease rate.

When it comes to buying, ordering 51 planes at a time produces the cheapest unit cost.

I ended up leasing for a long time until I had 20 bill in cash to order 51 widebodies from 3 families. It's hard to time the transition.

Another reason to hold on to cash and keep leasing NEW aircraft is the used aircraft market. Buying used aircraft is MUCH quicker than leasing used aircraft one at a time. Used Aircraft in the first 5 years of the game meant I filled up 200 gates in just 4 game years.

Shoutout to Airboss777 who forced me to be super aggressive in buying used aircraft to outgrow his airline in S1. It really works!

[Xstep]

Thanks! To the both of you!