I just looked up the fleet age and it varies between 27-35 years, with most 340B airframes being built around 1996, so roughly 28 years old. This doesn't tell the full story obviously, as actual operating hours can vary wildly depending on use. It's possible some of the younger airframes are approaching EOL through excessive operating hours, while the oldest aircraft may still have a decade of life left in it.
That said, it seems clear that REX needs to source over 30 replacement aircraft in the next few years if it is to continue the same Regional network & schedule.
This poses a few of challenges (capex notwithstanding)..
Firstly, you need to minimise the period of time that you are running a mixed fleet. There is no 'modern' direct replacement for the Saab 340, so any replacement is going to be a completely different airplane, with different maintenance and pilot training requirements. There are also likely significant delays with procurement, with a Global shortage of modern, mid sized turbo-prop aircraft.
Secondly, now that REX has gone into administration, you can bet that any aircraft leasing company is going to try and mitigate financial risk. This likely means unfavourable (for REX) lease terms and possibly additional insurance.
This is a mess!! And while I have no doubt that Governments at both levels will say all the right platitudes about maintaining Regional transport, REX will likely need significant injections of Commonwealth money, if it is going to survive - imho..
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