Market Presence. The B777-300ER has proven popular as evidenced by the number of orders but whether it will garner the same degree of enthusiasm on the used market is now being put to the test. There will be some operators who will continue to operate the aircraft until scrapping takes place after 20-25 years. There are notable B747-400 operators who have retained the aircraft well beyond the point at which the majority of original customers have disposed of their fleets, but this will be a minority. Most operators will be anxious to ensure that they continue to operate the most efficient of aircraft in the form of the A350, B787 and B777X not least because flying long haul uses much more jet fuel when expressed as a percentage of direct operating costs than a short haul operation. Many -300ERs have also been financed via sale and leasebacks with major lessors and financial institutions. The leases may be extended but only at much lower rates. The end of lease compensation payments associated with maintenance may also facilitate the premature scrapping of the aircraft. Lessors are already looking at parting-out options for those aircraft coming off lease in the next few years.
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