Youngest-ever Airbus A320neos being scrapped for parts amid crisis in the global aviation supply chain.
GOODYEAR, AZ — In a move that highlights the deepening crisis in the global aviation supply chain, two Airbus A320neo aircraft formerly operated by Spirit Airlines are currently being dismantled for parts in the Arizona desert.
At just three and four years old, the jets represent the youngest next-generation narrowbody aircraft ever to be retired and scrapped.
The aircraft—Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) 10769 and 10921 (registered as N950NK and N959NK)—were delivered new to Spirit in December 2021 and July 2022. Despite their $110 million original list prices and fuel-efficient design, they ceased flying in early 2025 as Spirit Airlines struggled through financial restructuring and a massive fleet reduction.
The “Perverse Economics” of Spare Parts
The acquisition was finalized this week by Dublin-based EirTrade Aviation, in partnership with lessor RESIDCO. While commercial jets typically fly for 25 years, the current industry environment has made these aircraft more valuable as “organ donors” than as operational flying machines.
The teardown targets high-demand Line Replacement Units (LRUs) and Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE). In the current market, individual components like sensors, actuators, and electronic control units are in such short supply that they command a massive premium.
Why Scrappers are Targeting “New” Planes
The decision to scrap nearly-new aircraft is driven by a “perfect storm” of industry pressures:
- Engine Crisis: The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G (GTF) engines powering these jets have suffered from manufacturing defects involving contaminated powdered metal. This has grounded hundreds of aircraft globally, creating a desperate need for spare engines and parts.
- Spirit’s Financial Woes: Following its 2025 bankruptcy filings, Spirit returned dozens of leased aircraft to lessors. With the engines worth roughly $20 million each on the secondary market, owners are finding it more profitable to part out the jets than to find new operators.
- Supply Chain Paralysis: Maintenance turnaround times have ballooned from weeks to months. Airlines are now willing to pay “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) premiums for used parts just to keep their existing fleets in the air.
A Growing Trend
The fate of these Spirit jets isn’t an isolated incident. Industry analysts note that at least 11 A320neos have already been scrapped globally, alongside several young A321neos and at least one Airbus A220.
