Boeing passenger planes serve for 20-25 years

Boeing passenger planes typically serve for 20-25 years, with their lifespan determined by flight hours, pressurization cycles, and rigorous maintenance. These aircraft undergo extensive "heavy checks" every 6-12 years, involving detailed inspections and repairs to ensure structural integrity and safety. Most retired planes are preserved in desert storage, dismantled for parts, or recycled, with their operational life ending primarily due to economic factors rather than structural failure.