Aircraft Asset Assessment: The MD90

Market Presence. The reasonable operating economics, low noise footprint and restriction emissions have failed to generate interest in the type in recent years even with alternatives in short supply. The number of pilots certificated on the aircraft is limited as are sparse making it difficult for operators...

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Market Presence. The reasonable operating economics, low noise footprint and restriction emissions have failed to generate interest in the type in recent years even with alternatives in short supply. The number of pilots certificated on the aircraft is limited as are sparse making it difficult for operators to acquire the type. Pilots are generally in short supply and most would prefer to fly newer equipment which offer better employment opportunities. The number of support facilities for the MD90 is also restricted making for difficult placement outside of existing operators. Placing the aircraft on new registers can also be a costly a time consuming business. There are few simulators in existence which then requires the use of the actual aircraft for some of the flight training. Consequently, within less than ten years the aircraft reached the junkyard. The scrapping of the aircraft may generate perhaps $1.5-2.5 million depending on the state of the engines. Being so young, the engines should be in good condition. The first very popular B737-700 was delivered in 1997 indicating just how little value is now placed in the MD90. The MD90 is now almost a forgotten type. When in production there were notable attempts to talk up values but lack lustre sales, intense competition and the absence of a wider family inevitably took their toll and residuals never matched the expectations or ambitions of the manufacturer.

Market Outlook. The prospects for the MD90 are from promising. Even in an era when newer narrowbodies are enjoying a period of sustained demand, the party has bypassed the MD90. The lack of an established operator base and disposal by key operators relatively soon after delivery resulted in a rapid decline in values and lease rentals. The process of marginalization is rarely reversible and while there may be attraction in pursuing client based financing the potential for standalone asset based financing has clearly vanished.