Why popular airplanes are getting scrapped years early - Australian Bloggers

Some of the most popular narrow-body aircraft are being scrapped years earlier than expected, driven by a shortage of critical parts—especially aircraft engines—and the rising costs of keeping jets flying. The article points to an Airbus A320neo built in Mobile, Alabama, in July 2022 for Spirit Airlines: after less than four years, it was stripped for parts valued in the millions and then crushed near Phoenix. Data cited from IBA Group shows 21 of the newest-generation aircraft were dismantled from June 2025 through August, averaging 6.4 years old—compared with a typical retirement age of 21.7 years for narrow-body planes. Executives say the availability crunch makes investors seek alternatives. Parts dismantling can be profitable for operators, with EirTrade Aviation expecting profits from selling more than 1,000 components removed before crushing.