PROSPECTS OF THE A380 SECOND-HAND MARKET

Kurzfassung

With the first batch of used A380 entering the market the question arises if there is a second-hand market for this type of aircraft. Aircraft prices – for new and used aircraft – are generally subject to significant discounts and confidentiality, which impedes the development and validation of scientific quantification methods. In this study a fleet-planning-based approach is applied to an exemplary airline to determine the economic viability of introducing a used A380 into an airline fleet. Specifically, a parameter study with varying prices of used A380 is performed. The results indicate that, when compared to a new A380, the discounted used variant can be a reasonable alternative. However, when compared to a younger aircraft type, even a strongly discounted A380 is more cost-efficient only, if not operated for more than a few years. Major cost drivers of the used variant are MRO and fuel cost. Possible operational scenarios for used A380 are pictured and an outlook for further research is given.