Why the big increase in mid-size and large narrowbody aircraft?
- In service small narrowbody aircraft have trended flat over the long term
- But, mid size narrowbodies such as the A320 and the 737-800 have been popular and the trend has accelerated in recent years
- Large narrowbodies such as the Airbus A321 are now increasing as well
- Double digit YoY percent changes in oil price in 17 of the last 20 years
- And the changes are challenging to predict
- Airlines looking for a hedge against a volatile but critical commodity for their operation
- So, go bigger as larger aircraft tend to have lower seat cost per mile
- Oil price change not the only reason for this trend but is a big part of it