How Frequently Are Commercial Airplane Interiors Serviced?

Commercial airplanes require frequent maintenance to ensure a safe flying experience. They typically undergo a basic inspection once every two days, followed by a more thorough heavy maintenance inspection once every few years. Most aircraft receive around 12 hours of line maintenance weekly, including pre-flight checks, daily fluid checks, and troubleshooting. Cabin interiors often require a different retrofit and maintenance cycle that is not aligned with the required aircraft overhaul and maintenance cycles. Some airlines upgrade their aircraft.

The C Check occurs every 18 months to two years, taking three weeks. The “A” check maintenance may include aircraft interior and exterior inspections, looking specifically for structural damage, corrosion, or loose parts during recent flights. Commercial jets are serviced nearly every night if they are flying domestically or internationally, and on average, they get replaced every 22.8 years.

Most aircraft receive around 12 hours of line maintenance weekly, including pre-flight checks, daily fluid checks, troubleshooting, etc. The “daily check” also includes visual checks, fluid level checks, and tire pressure checks. Service checks occur every 7-14 days, and an A-Check is performed every six years, dismantling and reassembling the entire aircraft.

Airbus takes the long-term view in accompanying commercial aircraft throughout their lifetime, performing deep cleaning every 30 to 45 days on the interior and exterior every 6-8 days. “D” checks happen every six to ten years, involving a general overhaul of the aircraft and taking four to six weeks. Extensive work involving new carpet is required. Maintenance checks for light general aviation aircraft are typically carried out every 50 to 100 flight hours.