Milestone reached as 17-year-old airliner is parted out
A US aircraft spares specialist is undertaking the first parting out of an undamaged Airbus A320, marking a major milestone in the history of the fly-by-wire airliner.
The 17-year-old aircraft (MSN0028) was originally delivered to Cyprus Airways in 1989 – it was the first production International Aero Engines V2500-A1-powered A320 built and spent its life with the Cypriot airline until sold to US aircraft spares specialist AeroTurbine, based in Miami. It has been ferried to Opa Locka, Florida for parting out.
According to AeroTurbine, the aircraft had not been involved in any accidents and was sold for spares as “economically it was worth more as parts”.
The A320 is understood to have been due to have a major maintenance check that can cost upwards of $2 million. According to industry sources, an A320 suitable for breaking up would be worth around $15 million, including engines.
The downturn after 9/11 led to a glut of A320 family aircraft entering storage, which had an impact on values. According to Flight Group aviation data provider AvSoft’s ACAS database, the current idle A320 family fleet has declined to fewer than 20 aircraft, from the 60 that were in storage a year ago. AeroTurbine says it is not aware of any other A320s becoming available for parting out in the near future.
MAX KINGSLEY-JONES/LONDON
Source: Flight International
