Three Boeing 777-200s belonging to Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) have recently been broken up. This is the latest example of what has become an increasingly common phenomenon over the past year. Thankfully, the scrapping process has seen some of the aircraft's parts be recycled for future use on other planes.
Three aircraft cut up
GA Telesis announced yesterday that it had finished the disassembly process for three ex-ANA Boeing 777-200s. As well as taking their airframes apart, the company has also disassembled the aircraft's auxiliary power units (APUs). Its airline customers will now be able to benefit from the spare parts that have become available through the disassembly.
GA Telesis is a key player in the aircraft recycling market, and has several more disassembly projects scheduled later this year. The ex-ANA aircraft were a good fit for the company, as it is "the world’s leading independent supplier of Boeing 777 used serviceable material."
The company did not state which aircraft it had dismantled, although data from Planespotters.net suggests two prime candidates. These are JA707A and J704A, which it reports were broken up in Taipei in November 2020 and December 2020 respectively. Given the timing of the announcement, the third disassembly is likely to have occurred more recently.
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The Boeing 777 at ANA
ANA is Japan's largest airline, and it has flown the 777 since October 1995. Its first variant was the 777-200. The airline's first stretched-fuselage 777-300 arrived less than three years later, in June 1998. As well as the aircraft's obvious long-haul capabilities, the 777 also provides ANA extra capacity on busy domestic routes.
It has also since gone on to fly the 777-300ER and the 777F. Overall, the airline has flown a total of 65 777s over the years. Of these, 19 are historical examples. Of the remaining 46 777s currently in its fleet, 21 are active, and 25 are parked.
In terms of what the future holds for the airline's fleet, there is more to come from the 777 family. It has ordered the 777-9, which is the largest variant of the upcoming next-generation 777X series. However, it has recently deferred its deliveries for its 20 ordered 777-9s.
Culinary use for another grounded 777
This not the only story regarding the re-use of a grounded ANA 777 to have emerged this week. Indeed, Simple Flying reported yesterday that one of its Tokyo Haneda-based triple-sevens had been repurposed as a stationary restaurant. This concept allows guests to enjoy a meal onboard an aircraft despite it being unable to depart at present.
Despite tickets costing hundreds of dollars, the first sittings onboard sold out very quickly. A business class meal service onboard costs ¥29,800 (just over $250), with first class demanding an eye-watering ¥59,800 (approximately $540). Nonetheless, the demand is clearly there, and the concept will provide much-needed cash flow in a difficult time for the airline.
What do you make of these aircraft being disassembled? Have you ever flown on an ANA Boeing 777? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.