How often is reported aircraft utilisation data in Fleets Analyzer updated, what is the coverage and what are the sources?

The aircraft reported utilisation data (flying hours and cycles) in Fleets Analyzer is updated monthly or quarterly (depending on the source), on receipt of the latest data. There is typically a 2-3 month data lag, so for that reason we include the Hours and Cycles Date column in the database to provide a reference for the currency of the data for every individual aircraft.

The data is available for the global commercial transport fleet, however our coverage is not complete for the following reasons:-

1. Data sourced from the airframe manufacturers

Both Boeing and Airbus require operators' written permissions before they will share their utilisation data. Also, operators of older aircraft, that are beyond their warranty / service life agreements, are not obliged to report their utilisation to the airframe manufacturers. Where this data is not forthcoming, we attempt to source it directly from the operators themselves.

2. Data sourced directly from operators

Some operators decline to share their utilisation data. Generally these are smaller airlines, but there are some notable exceptions. 

Coverage at the end of 2020 for the world's in-service commercial passenger fleet was 65%.

Any hours and cycles data displayed for helicopters or business aircraft will have been sourced from for sale / lease advertisements and listings.