ABSTRACT
Aircraft models in the market today have tremendous earning capabilities. If operated well in the fleets of efficient airlines, aircraft can earn the investment back in about ten years’ time. As a long-haul aircraft makes just a few cycles per day, and a short-haul aircraft makes many cycles in that same day, the long-haul aircraft lasts longer over time. In addition to the generic market value of an aircraft type, individual aircraft of the same type can differ in value as well. A few decades ago aircraft came in various shapes and with various concepts, but since then the commercial aircraft has evolved into mainly one form: the aircraft with two engines hanging under the wing. Regarding the economic characteristics of aircraft types, the author needs to realize that it is not so much the aircraft type itself, but merely the way that the aircraft is operated by an airline that defines its economics.
