United Airlines Will Scrap An A320

United Airlines is ramping up preparations to scrap an Airbus A320-232 that has already been damaged.

The A320, registered as N470UA, was damaged after a catering truck struck it at Ronald Regean Washington National Airport (DCA).

This incident forced the removal of one of the older narrowbody types from the fleet. After investigations, the rear fuselage sustained damage too significant for an economical repair.

A320 Struck By A Catering Vehicle

Before impact, N470UA arrived at Washington from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as flight UA1369. However, the aircraft didn’t return to service after this flight.

After the plane touched down, it became apparent that its fate may have already been sealed. After arrival at DCA, a catering vehicle struck the rear fuselage, the same type that landed on 17 May at 0108 UTC following the red-eye.

The return flight to Chicago was subsequently cancelled, and the airline did not publicly disclose how the vehicle struck the Airbus A320, the extent of the structural damage, or why it scrapped it permanently.

However, this Airbus A320, approaching the end of its operational life comfortably and closer to 30 years in service than 20, is nearing its removal and replacement. Fuselage damage is significant on any aircraft and can require heavy repairs, inspections and more that come at a price.

Fuselage repair can be challenging on an older, more delicate aircraft, and the costs may not be worth it if the aircraft is already planned to be phased out.

United Airlines Farewells The A320

N470UA will not return to service; the A320-232 with serial number 1427 is one of the oldest of this type flown by the airline, delivered to United in March 2001. The narrowbody fleet largely developed through its Continental Airlines merger, which, before the takeover, relied heavily on the A319 and A320 models.

While United Airlines has since taken on many of these aircraft and has its own component, it has moved forward with fleet renewal focused on aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A321neo.

The A320 has proved to be a workhorse; however, as the airline transitions to newer, far more efficient narrowbodies, the loss of N470UA may be less impactful, and the removal can save costs rather than forcing a lengthy repair process.