Ever wonder how long a commercial airplane will last before it needs to be retired? The answer is more complicated than you might think. When a plane rolls off the assembly line, its life span begins to tick away.
But what goes into determining the average life span of a commercial airplane? Let’s explore how long these airplanes can stay in service and what factors affect their longevity.
The Age Factor
At first glance, the age of an aircraft is the most important factor in determining its life span. Generally speaking, the older a plane is, the more likely it is to require maintenance or replacement parts—which can be costly for airlines. Thus, as an aircraft ages, airlines typically opt to retire it rather than continue investing money into repairs and upkeep.
However, other considerations can extend aircraft life spans beyond age alone. For example, modern aircraft typically have longer life spans due to science and engineering advances that make them sturdier and less prone to wear and tear. Also, certain planes may fly less than others—such as for longer flights or cargo transport—which will also help increase their life span.
Maintenance Matters
In addition to age and type of use, maintenance plays a vital role in keeping planes flying for as long as possible. Airlines must adhere to strict safety inspection and repair regulations by governing bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These inspections can identify potential problems early on before they become major issues.
What’s more, if any necessary repairs take too long, those planes won’t be allowed back into service until they pass inspection again—which could further reduce an airplane’s lifetime usage window if not addressed quickly enough.
To Wrap It Up
Just how long do commercial airplanes last? Well, that depends on many factors, including age, type of usage, and maintenance schedules. On average, one can expect modern airliners with regular maintenance schedules using an aircraft part number lookup to stay in service for around 30 years before needing significant repairs or retirement from service.
For those looking for even longer life expectancies out of their planes, newer models with advanced technology may be able to exceed this number, given proper care and adherence to safety protocols set forth by aviation authorities like the FAA. Regardless of which option works best for your individual needs, all passengers should rest assured knowing that when flying commercially, their safety is a top priority at all times!
Seattle Aviation Solutions can help you get the best aircraft parts for your fleet and ensure maximum safety for all your flights. We have an extensive database of parts with up-to-date information on availability, cost, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation!