Originally Posted by
EWR764
Pretty cool that a 30+ year old airframe will undergo a major structural repair, and no question it will be stronger than before.
Transport jets, properly maintained, can have a long, productive life long after passing 25 or 30 years in service.
In 2011, I was flying DC8s that had been built as early as 1967. One of them is still flying today for Samaritan Purse (though I don't remember the manufacture date for that specific airplane).
If repaired, I would think that the lack of availability of replacements is a big factor. Also, when UA is finished with it, it will be in demand by the ACMI industry as a freighter.