Quantcast

Boeing 747 retirements boost demand for storage and recycling industries

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Boeing 747 retirements boost demand for storage and recycling industries
Policy
Webp b747
Boeing 747 | Wikipedia

As the Boeing 747 reaches the end of its production and service life, many carriers are faced with decisions about storing these large aircraft. According to Simple Flying, the cost of storing a Boeing 747 can reach approximately $10,000 per month, similar to that of an Airbus A380. The storage cost varies based on factors such as location and model.

The Boeing 747 is known for its significant size, with a wingspan ranging from 195 ft 8 in to 224 ft 7 in and lengths between 184 ft 9 in and 231 ft 10 in. Due to these dimensions, storage facilities charge high fees for space allocation. The costs are also influenced by the duration of storage contracts and ground handling requirements.

Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona is a notable site where many retired Boeing 747s are stored. This facility gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when numerous carriers retired their aging fleets. Pinal Airpark benefits from a dry climate that helps limit corrosion and has become one of the largest commercial aircraft storage facilities globally.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Aircraft recycling is another industry gaining traction alongside storage facilities. Companies like Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS) and Air Salvage International lead this sector, which Research & Markets expects to grow significantly by 2028. Recycling allows airlines to offset some costs associated with storing or replacing their obsolete aircraft by selling valuable parts.

Despite a decline in active service numbers for the Boeing 747 family—more than half have been scrapped or stored—some variants remain operational. As of April 2025, over 400 Boeing 747s were still flying, primarily newer models like the 747-400 and the more modernized version, the 747-8.

With continued retirements expected for this iconic aircraft type, both storage facilities and recycling businesses anticipate growth opportunities as they capitalize on the decommissioning process.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

FedEx has released the results of a recent survey focused on how Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are responding to changes in global trade and customs regulations.

Oct 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years.

Oct 26, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025