Fleet Modernisation is the term used to refer to the process by which airlines (and other transportation organisations) replace/upgrade their existing aircraft with newer, more capable, more efficient and more technologically advanced models. The goal is to reduce operating costs, improve performance and enhance passenger comfort – This generally leads to an increase in the meeting of environmental standards.
Fleet modernisation has a special place within aviation. It involves retiring older, less fuel efficient, higher-maintenance aircraft for newer, more technologically advanced, more efficient aircraft. See my post on why fuel efficiency is so important for airlines when considering aircraft.
Older aircraft have older seats, which would be very expensive to replace. It becomes more economically to just replace an old aircraft )that has poor fuel efficiency, offers less passenger comfort, is harder to maintain and has older technologies) with a newer, more advanced aircraft that your passengers will enjoy boarding.
There are 3 primary groups affected by fleet modernisation:
- Airline Manufacturers
- Passengers
- Aircraft Mechanics/Engineers
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Why Airlines Are Modernising their fleets, and its effect on passengers
In a world where efficiency is success and where passenger comfort is the biggest of your concerns, airlines want to replace older aircraft with newer ones.
Airlines want to maximise profits, while being able to increase passenger comfort. However, older aircraft, such as the Boeing-747, older A320 families, A340’s and other older aircraft types are much less fuel efficient compared to newer models, which is a major factor when it comes to fleet modernisation.
And when you look at the statistics, newer-gen aircraft reduce fuel burn by upto 25%. (Now that’s ridiculously amazing)
The impact it has on passengers is pretty great too, as they will have better experiences; newer and quieter cabins, comfier seats, less engine noise, which all will lead to a much more desirable experience for the flyer.
Most passengers typically won’t be concerned about the fuel consumption or the economics for the airline, but lets discuss someone who will.
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What It Means For Aircraft Manufacturers.
Question: If an aircraft is being retired by lots of airlines, yet is still in production, what happens to that production line? (Does it just disappear?)
The answer to that question is that this happens quite frequently in aviation, and what usually happens, happens in a few following stages:
- Falling demand is recognised.
When airlines start retiring models of aircraft, its a clear signal and message to airlines that demand is declining. Manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Rolls-Royce slow down production to match the remaining number of orders. This helps prevent overproduction and keeps cost under control. - A transition to a new variant or successor.
If a newer generation variant is in development or exists, the manufacturer shifts to produce that aircraft. Generally, airlines will only switch a production line to aircraft types that are very similar. For example, the A320neo line replaced the old A320ceo, as they had similar components, and minimal change was required in the production factories. - Special orders and cargo conversions.
Even after production for commercial aircraft halts, production sometimes continues for cargo operators, governments or special cases such as military tankers and VIP aircraft. Did you know that Boeing still produces the B767 for freighter purposes, and as a tanker? - The final stage of the production line.
When demand drops to zero, manufacturers close the production line. After this, the line is dismantled, and staff and suppliers are reassigned to newer programs.
But how does this link to fleet modernisation?
Eventually, due to innovation within aviation, airlines will always keep coming up with newer, more efficient models.
This means that airlines will continue retiring models, which is why this question is always so relevant.
The impact of fleet modernisation on engineers/mechanics
Fleet modernisation is changing the day-to-day work of aircraft mechanics and engineers. Since airlines are switching to newer generation aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, A350 and A320neo, the maintenance work is becoming increasingly digital and data driven. It all means that their work is more tech-focused than ever before.
More advanced aircraft systems and new skills needed.
New-gen aircraft feature fly-by-wire controls, lighter and composite materials. Engineers now also need expertise in:
- Maintenance of digital software systems.
- Knowledge of more complex structural inspections and repairs.
- Knowledge of engine health.
All this means that their work is more tech-focused than ever before, and IT skills are required.
Changed workload
Newer-generation aircraft are much more reliable and need fewer heavy-maintenance checks, which means that mechanics will have less repetitive servicing tasks.
Teams will now focus on quality assurance and systems management, not just work with the wrench. They will have reduced workload, but the work they do have will require quality inspection and upkeep.
In conclusion, fleet modernisation will affect everyone. Whether you’re the passenger, the mechanic working on an aircraft or the airline, your aviation experience will always keep changing as fleet modernisation continues to fly ahead.
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