aircraftdelivered

Aircraft delivered refers to the formal handover of an aircraft from the manufacturer or a lessor to the operator, marking the entry of the aircraft into service. The delivery event is typically accompanied by documentation, inspections, and regulatory approvals and may occur at the factory, a dedicated delivery center, or an operating base.

The delivery process generally includes several milestones. After production and final assembly, factory acceptance or production acceptance tests are completed, and any interior configuration, livery, and system installations are finalized. A customer acceptance flight or delivery flight may be conducted to verify performance and systems in operational conditions. Once approved, the aircraft is officially handed over to the customer, and responsibility for airworthiness, maintenance, and registration is transferred as appropriate.

Documentation and regulatory requirements are central to the handover. Key items include a Certificate of Conformity, airworthiness certificate or equivalent, certificate of registration, export/import paperwork, bill of sale, and the transfer of maintenance records and manuals. The delivery event also involves training for the operator’s crews and maintenance staff, and the transfer of warranties and support arrangements.

In industry practice, “aircraft delivered” is a common metric for production planning and financial reporting, indicating new aircraft that have passed acceptance and entered service or are scheduled to. Delays can arise from certification, customization, interior completion, or regulatory issues. While the term most often applies to new aircraft, it can also describe the delivery of pre-owned aircraft after refurbishment and verification.