Aircraft Value News [May 17, 2004] -

Issue: May 17, 2004

Recovery Fails to Aid Aging Widebody Values

The scrapping of older widebodies has become one of the few options left for owners. The parking lots remain full of aging aircraft, few of which are likely to return to the skies. For most, freighter conversion is no longer an option, as operators seek to convert aircraft such as…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

B747-300 Values Continue to Slide

The values of the B747-300 have fallen by nearly 75 percent over the last four years. The problems experienced by many international carriers since the late 1990s have left the -300 isolated and vulnerable. While a few carriers have retained some -300s longer than previously planned, others have accelerated disposal,…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

Winglets May Help to Drag B757 Values Out of Doldrums

The launch of a B757 winglet program by Continental [CAL] will add value to the carrier's fleet but whether the modification will bring values and lease rentals back from the brink remains uncertain. Despite the significant fall in B757 availability in recent months -- only 29 are now listed, compared…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

Changing A340 Weights Cause Problems for Existing Values

The reported Airbus proposal to further increase the maximum takeoff weight of the A340-500 and -600 may result in the need to retrofit lower-weight models to maintain their current and future values. Airbus' desire to match the range capability of the B777-200LR, and offer greater operating flexibility for operators using…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

Market Values Unaffected by Hike in Airbus List Prices

4.7 Percent Rise in List Prices Outpaces Inflation The 4.7 percent rise in Airbus list prices for 2004 will have little or no effect on current market values and will likely only serve to increase the already substantial level of discounting between list and actual prices. Values of newly delivered…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

Renewed Environmental Pressures to Hamper Residual Calculations

The financial difficulties of the aviation industry, compounded by the recession, may have forced regulators to temporarily backpedal on aviation-related environmental restrictions. But the launch of the Boeing [BA] B7E7 and the arrival of more low-fare carriers will once again force the pace of new regulations. The International Civil Aviation…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

B737-300 Rentals Find Solace in Conversion of Ex-United Aircraft

Rentals of the B737-300 are continuing to experience a measure of stability as distressed disposals dissipate and more units are placed with carriers, due in large part to the absence of newer equipment. Hainan Airlines of China is to lease ex-United [UAL] B737-300s that will be converted to freighters by…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN

Higher Rentals Spurred by Potential Interest Rate Hike in the U.S.

The rebound of in-production narrowbody rentals continues, stimulated in part by the prospect of higher interest rates that is taking place in the United States. The enthusiasm for leasing newer aircraft has been partly due to U.S. interest rates remaining at 1 percent for some time. Although the London Interbank…

By: Aircraft Value News

May 17, 2004

AVN