• Airlines can save millions by keeping 20-year-old jets instead of buying new ones.
• Older aircraft have lower capital costs but higher maintenance and fuel costs.
• New jets can recover their cost through fuel savings over time.
• Aircraft shortages are changing the economics of fleet decisions.

This trend may indicate that airlines are prioritizing short-term cost savings over long-term efficiency gains, which could have implications for the environment and passenger experience. The shortage of new aircraft suggests that airlines may need to adapt their fleet planning strategies to balance cost and efficiency considerations.