Why Do Cargo Operators Fly Older Planes?

You may have noticed that many cargo aircraft are older planes that have long been out of commercial passenger usage, like the Airbus A300. Others are new aircraft from production lines that no longer offer passenger versions, like the Boeing 767. Why do cargo carriers prefer older planes? Let’s find out.

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#Aviation #Flight #Avgeek

[SimpleFlyingNews]

*Correction: When mentioning the average fleet age of Singapore Airlines it should have been be 6.6 years instead of 16.6 years.

[AllecJoshuaIbay]

Cargo airlines are the only reason why we could still enjoy the sight of amazing aircraft that we normally wouldn't be able to see.

[georgespettigue]

As a retired cargo airline pilot, we were always told that the higher operating costs of flying older aircraft were more than offset by the reduced acquisition cost, considering that we flew far fewer hours per day than the passenger aircraft which are in almost continuous service. Hourly operating costs become the driving economic force in the passenger fleet, hence their willingness to pay for new, more efficient planes!

[marvelgoh]

Another benefit is that Avgeek can enjoy the sight of old planes that are no longer in service. They're the only reason I still can spot A300, A310, B747-200, MD-11, etc.

[AdventureswithaaronB]

As a aviation enthusiast, I like older planes

[tobiasgreen]

Older planes cost less to buy but sometimes more to operate. but as a guy who loves aviation from the 1960s-2000 i love to see these types in service and wouldn't mind if they keep them in their fleet for much longer. hoped Passenger airlines would also but many passengers love newer planes :-/

[nywangphantom]

Most passengers don't know how old their plane is. Delta has the oldest fleet among major us carriers, yet they are the preferred one amongst the big there. As long as you have a refurbished cabin and good punctuality, most passenger won't have an idea that the plane is over 20 year's old, and may even think they are on a 787 when they are actually on a 767.

[grosado]

As a FedEx employee and aviation enthusiast I remember the days prior to 9-11 where I could jump seat everywhere in 727, A300, DC10 and MD11!!! Those days are gone but I do love these airplanes!

[joshuauriarte]

I love seeing old planes including trijets. It's because they still look badass. Usually cargo airlines do update their planes. I've seen a DC-10 get new modern engines before including the tail engine. So old aircraft's are loved by cargo pilots because they are old and beautiful.

[Ford_Raptor_R_hp_V]

Buying Older Aircraft that aren't yet Worn Out, is a Smart Business Decision. Cargo Carriers are doing the right thing

[squawkh]

I miss the Boeing 727’s. The loud engines sounded so awesome. You could hear them longer when they took off because they had a slower climb rate.

[Transit-Gaming]

Simple Flying: Because passengers love newer aircraft!

Avgeeks: Uh, well there are passengers that love old aircraft as well! We would pay to go on an old plane ANY DAY.

My suggestion: Airlines operating both very old and new aircraft, like middle Eastern airlines.

[kfeet]

The MD-11 is such a beautiful airplane!

[anthonyevans]

Most passengers do NOT always want new aircraft, most simply do not care. Price, along with customer comfort and service come out top all the time

[JuanIparraguirre]

I remember when the DC-8's from UPS were phased out, one of the pilots almost bursted into tears while being interviewed about his experience with one of the sturdiest planes ever made...

[chadnga]

As an AV GEEK ... I'm glad to see cargo carriers flying these older aircraft... as many of the types are no longer operating with passenger airlines. MD-11 DC-10 747 ... love all these and hope to see them having extended lives with cargo carriers!

[jhmcd]

The first cargo plane I flew had a cerification date of 1983. I since flew that thing through at least 4 thunderstorms, several tropical storms and a hurricane before I left that job. Ironically, i had more fun in that old turboprop than the modern jet I flew afterward.

[leonb]

Some cargo only and cargo divisions of airlines do buy new aircraft made for cargo use. Many cargo aircraft are conversions of retired and converted passenger aircraft. Some models are initially made in cargo configurations or for relatively easy conversions. Some also allow the use of existing size roll on-roll off containers, usually used for smaller packages. Some may be built with large doors that can handle package containers, larger items and with some 747's, with a tilt up nose for very large cargo.

[michaelsteirn]

I’ve flown in my time on DC10, s and the Tristar lovely old buses. Somehow these planes were rather comfy.

[riccardogranato]

I love flying on older machines so I'm quite happy cargo carriers do have them!