In the decade 1994-2004 the aviation market has been influenzed by:

• Modification of market sharing between traditional and low-cost carriers with a strong positioning of the latter and their philosophies.

• Banckruptcy or critical financial position of major airlines like Swissair, Sabena, UsAir ecc.

• Closing down, merger or production conversion of aircraft manufacturers like Fokker, McDonnell Douglas, Dornier e Saab.

• Strong fluctuation of demand for air transport with low peaks in conjunction with international terrorism, wars, SARS and natural disasters.

• Large availability of aircraft (up to about 3,000 aircraft stored), caused by all the preceeding factors, with a strong decrease of prices for used aircraft and lease rates also for new airplanes.