Aircraft Retrofits – Part of the lifecycle solution

Two things are certain to happen during the long productive life of a commercial jetliner:  technology will advance and cabin interior styles will change.

Boeing’s lifecycle approach to aviation services and support is designed to go beyond merely keeping up with technology and passenger preference. Boeing focuses on providing business solutions that help airlines, leasing companies and owners stay ahead of the upgrade requirement curve.

For example, retrofitting in-service 737NGs and Classics with fuel-saving winglets makes it easier for operators to use these airplanes interchangeably with the latest 737s. In addition, 737s with winglets can operate profitably in a wider variety of markets and meet regulatory requirements throughout the world. This translates directly into a stronger resale market and a larger pool of potential lessors and financiers.

Owners can upgrade 737 flight decks with the latest flight management, Electronic Flight Bag, GPS, and heads-up display technologies to make existing 737s consistent with today’s fast-selling 737NGs. Flight deck commonality enables operators to standardize maintenance, crew training, and flight operations throughout the fleet. For owners, these improvements can mean increased asset value and liquidity.

 
Boeing provides parts kits, engineering, and management for interior, avionics, and structural modifications.

For 757 and 767 owners, Boeing offers extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) retrofits that will allow airplanes not originally equipped for ETOPS service to take advantage of the growing trend toward long-distance, point-to-point service.

Boeing upgrades are recognized by regulatory agencies around the world as consistent with manufacturer aircraft certification standards. This eliminates many delays associated with modifications provided by other sources. Anticipating eventual transfer of ownership, the Boeing lifecycle approach incorporates improved record keeping, which reduces ownership transfer costs and delay by making aircraft maintenance conditions more transparent.

Passenger cabin upgrades are particularly important to help airlines bridge the interval between a new airplane order and the delivery of their new jetliners. For example, the 767 Enhanced Interior upgrade captures the look and feel of the 777 Boeing Signature Interior so faithfully that several airline customers are considering keeping the airplanes in service even after their new 787 Dreamliners are delivered.

Upgraded hardware, software, and engineering are only part of a business solution. Boeing provides a wealth of industry experience and information to help owners select the upgrades that will deliver the greatest return on their retrofit investment, identify the best airplane candidates, and determine the best sequence for modifying their airplanes. Boeing works with airlines to bundle upgrade tasks with scheduled maintenance to eliminate redundant activities and minimize the time that airplanes must be out of service.

When at last a jetliner reaches the end of its passenger-carrying career, the Boeing Converted Freighter program can extend the airplane’s productive life even further. Boeing helps the owner assess the market for the converted freighter, manages and integrates all aspects of the conversion process, and can even help the owner establish contact with other owners and operators who have requirements for converted freighters.

Boeing lifecycle business solutions, including airplane upgrade and modification products, protect airplane asset values and enable airplane owners to be confident that their Boeing airplanes are in peak revenue-earning condition.