Is Your Plane Brand New Or 20 Years Old? Here’s How To Find Out The Age Of Your Aircraft

You’ve boarded your flight from Mumbai to Delhi or perhaps preparing for an international journey from Bengaluru to Dubai. As you settle in, maybe even before take-off, a quiet curiosity creeps in, Is this aircraft brand new or older than my college memories?

In India, we are witnessing a sharp increase in air travel, from budget domestic flyers to international long-haul travellers. But while most of us check the airline, the ticket price, or the seat preference, very few think about the age of the aircraft. Yet, it’s surprisingly easy to find out.

Aircraft age doesn’t determine safety, every plane, whether new or old, must meet rigorous maintenance checks, but it can influence your comfort, entertainment options, and overall in-flight experience.

Here’s a detailed guide for Indian travellers to find out the exact age of your plane, before or even after you fly.

Is Your Plane Brand New or Over 20 Years Old? Here’s How Indian Travellers Can Find Out the Age of an Aircraft

1. Start With the Flight Number: Your Key to the Aircraft

The first step is your flight number. For example, if you're flying IndiGo 6E205, Air India AI191, or Vistara UK981, make a note of that.

Now visit tracking websites such as:

• FlightRadar24

• FlightAware

• Planespotters.net

• Airfleets.net

These platforms allow you to enter your flight number (available on your ticket or boarding pass) and view detailed data about the aircraft operating that route, including:

• Aircraft model and type

• Registration number

• Year of manufacture

• Age in years and months

• History of which airlines it previously served (especially useful if it was leased)

2. Decode the Aircraft’s Registration Code

Every aircraft has a registration number, which is similar to a car number plate. Indian-registered aircraft usually begin with VT- (like VT-ANU, VT-EXK).

Once you find this registration on the flight tracking websites above, enter it into Planespotters.net or Airfleets.net to get a full profile of the plane.

This page will tell you:

• The exact year and month it was manufactured

• Its first flight date

• If it has served other airlines previously (for example, many Indian airlines lease aircraft from European or Middle Eastern carriers)

• Photos of the plane at various airports

• Any records of storage or major incidents

This is especially useful if you’re flying with airlines that lease older aircraft or operate mixed fleets.

3. Aircraft Type Can Offer Age Clues (But Not Definitive Answers)

If you know your plane type, such as Airbus A320, Boeing 737-800, or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, you can get a broad idea of its possible age.

Here’s a brief timeline to help you understand:

• Airbus A320ceo – In service since 1988

• Airbus A320neo – Introduced in 2016 (neo = “new engine option”, more modern, fuel efficient)

• Boeing 737-800 – First entered service in 1998

• Boeing 737 MAX 8 – Newest version, in service since 2017

• Boeing 777-300ER – In operation since the early 2000s

• Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Introduced in 2011 (used by Air India for international routes)

While the model gives you a range, the registration number remains your best source for the precise age.

4. Observe the Cabin: The Interiors Might Reveal More

Already onboard? There are subtle indicators of aircraft age around you. While airlines refurbish interiors, some clues are harder to hide:

• Overhead screens for safety video instead of personal screens at each seat may indicate an older plane

• No USB or charging ports, or only universal power outlets under the seat

• Tray tables and seats that show visible wear and tear

• Louder engine noise during takeoff and cruising (older aircraft are generally noisier)

• Absence of mood lighting or newer HEPA-filter air systems

For instance, if you’re flying IndiGo on an A320neo, you’ll notice quieter engines and modern interiors compared to older A320ceo variants.

5. Ask the Cabin Crew (If You're Curious Enough)

Indian travellers are often hesitant to ask airline staff questions beyond the basics, but many crew members, especially senior ones, know a lot about the aircraft they’re flying on.

You can ask questions like:

• “Is this a recently inducted aircraft in your fleet?”

• “Do you know how old this aircraft is?”

• “Has this plane always flown for this airline?”

Some may not know, but others might even share fascinating stories, like the plane’s previous international routes or its delivery date.

6. Use Apps for Frequent Flyers in India

If you fly often for business or leisure, consider downloading apps that give real-time updates about your aircraft:

• FlightRadar24 (Premium version) – Offers full aircraft age and model data

• Flighty (iOS) – Especially popular among aviation enthusiasts for its historical flight tracking

• Plane Finder – A good Android alternative

These apps let you track your past flights and even share insights about your upcoming flight’s aircraft hours before departure.

Also read: 10 secret hacks to book cheap flight tickets in India 

7. A Quick Word About Indian Airlines and Aircraft Ages

Here’s a general overview of aircraft age trends in Indian airlines:

• IndiGo – Operates one of the youngest fleets in the world (average age under 3 years), mostly A320neo and A321neo aircraft

• Vistara – Also a modern fleet, includes new Airbus and Boeing models (including 787 Dreamliners)

• Air India – Mixed fleet; many older wide-body planes are still in service, though the airline is currently replacing older jets post-Tata acquisition

• SpiceJet – Has older Boeing 737s in service; some aircraft are over 15–20 years old

• Akasa Air – India’s newest carrier; operates only Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with an average fleet age of around 1–2 years

Does Aircraft Age Really Matter?

In terms of safety – not at all. All aircraft, whether 2 years old or 25, go through mandatory maintenance checks as per DGCA and international regulations.

In terms of passenger experience – yes, age can matter:

• Newer aircraft are often quieter, more fuel efficient, and equipped with modern entertainment systems and lighting

• Older planes may lack in-flight screens, charging ports, and the “new plane” feel

• Long-haul international flights on older aircraft may result in less comfortable seating and outdated amenities

So, if you’re booking a 16-hour flight from Delhi to New York, you might want to see if your plane is a 2020 Dreamliner or a 1990s-era Boeing 777.

Also read: 5 Steps To Take When Losing Luggage After Landing

Final Thoughts: Curiosity That Travels With You

For Indian travellers, whether you're flying to Goa, Guwahati, or Geneva, the next time you step onto a plane, take a minute. Pull up the flight on your phone. Check the registration. Read the history.

You might be flying in a machine that once criss-crossed the Pacific or carried thousands of passengers over the Himalayas.

Aircraft are silent storytellers, of engineering, exploration, and endurance. Now you know how to read their story.