?? Why Airplanes Are Still Worth Millions After They Stop Flying

By Magari Poa on 03/09/2025

When an airplane takes its last flight, you might imagine it fading into rust somewhere in a desert boneyard. But here's the surprising truth: even after retirement, many aircraft are still worth millions of dollars. From engines to landing gear, almost every component can be reused, resold, or recycled — keeping the aviation industry running and turning "old planes" into big business.

? What Happens When Planes Retire?

Most commercial airplanes serve between 20 to 30 years before airlines retire them. At that point, carriers have several options:

Storage: Aircraft are often parked in dry desert climates like Arizona or New Mexico, where low humidity slows down corrosion.
Conversion: Some jets are converted into cargo planes, serving global logistics companies.
Parting Out: Many retired planes are dismantled, with valuable parts sold to airlines still operating the same models.

And this last option is where the big money lies.

?? The Goldmine of Airplane Parts

The most valuable components of a retired aircraft are its engines. Depending on the type and condition, a single jet engine can fetch anywhere from $5 million to $20 million.

Other high-demand parts include:

Landing gear
Avionics and navigation systems
Auxiliary power units (APUs)
Cabin equipment like seats and galleys

Once removed, each part goes through rigorous inspection and certification before being resold to airlines worldwide. This is crucial because Boeing and Airbus are years behind on delivering new aircraft — meaning used parts are often the only quick solution for carriers trying to keep planes in service.

? From Airplane to Scrap — and Even Furniture

After the valuable parts are stripped out, the fuselage is typically recycled for aluminum scrap. But not everything gets melted down.

Some aircraft find unusual afterlives:

Coffee tables made from airplane wings
Luxury furniture crafted from cabin panels
Jewelry or keychains fashioned from fuselage aluminum

Aviation enthusiasts and collectors pay good money for these unique items, turning old planes into conversation pieces.

? A Billion-Dollar Industry

The trade in used airplane parts is part of a much larger sector: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). According to consulting firm Oliver Wyman, global spending on MRO is expected to reach $94 billion this year.

That means one airline's retired jet can help keep dozens of others flying — a cycle that saves money and reduces downtime in an industry where efficiency is everything.

? The Future of Retired Planes

With a global fleet of over 25,000 aircraft, thousands will be retired in the next decade. Some will be converted to cargo, others will sit in desert storage, and many will be dismantled for their valuable parts.

A select few will live on as museums, restaurants, or even quirky homes. But for most, retirement doesn't mean the end — it simply means a new role in aviation's global ecosystem.

? The Takeaway

Airplanes may stop flying, but their value doesn't disappear. Engines, parts, and even scrap metal remain in high demand, making retired planes a multi-million-dollar opportunity.

In aviation, nothing truly goes to waste — even after their last flight, airplanes continue to pay their way.