Originally Posted by
evanderm
My understanding is also that a plane's overall lifespan is also greatly influenced by pressurisation cycles. I wouldn't expect BA to be doing what you suggest too intensely with their high-value wide-bodies unless it really made commercial sense. On the up-side for us as travellers though, it would mean a higher rate of new aircraft being needed :-)
Can't see that making a significant difference. Most long haul jets will do lucky to average more than 14 pressurisation cycles each week (US might be 2 in 24 hours, Asia overnights 1), whereas a short haul jet will likely be over 40. Squeezing a short haul turn between long haul flights every few days won't make a significant impact on lifespan. C/D checks are dependent on flight hours too IIRC so not impacted by shorthaul.
Anyways, I'd love to see some of the long haul fleet working short haul routes. There's not a huge leap in capacity (particularly with the 4-class birds) over the ever denser Airbii and LH seating would be much appreciated!