The number of engines airliners go through in their life depends on several factors.

To answer what seems to be a relatively simple question, it is essential to understand the factors that define the life of an airliner and a jet engine. Airliners and jet engines are complex machines whose lifespan is difficult to determine in absolute flight cycles, flight hours, or operational years. Like any other machine, the manufacturers build them with a specific design limit. However, the actual lifespan depends on usage, operating conditions, and maintenance. Before getting into the specifics, here is a brief look into the lifespan of airliners and engines.

The typical lifespan of airliners

Short-range narrowbody jets have an intended lifespan of nearly 50,000 flight cycles. On average, an Airbus A320 operates four flights a day and can last almost 35 years of operation, plus maintenance downtime. On the other hand, a long-range widebody jet’s life varies between 25,000 and 45,000 flight cycles, depending on the structure. The composite-driven Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed for 44,000 flight cycles. These jets can theoretically last several decades with an average of two flight cycles a day.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Unlike commercial airliners, fighter jets are…