As I understand it, pressurization cycles introduce the most stress on an airframe so maintenance intervals are tied to it. However, not all planes are equal in that regard, a long haul flight in a 747 might easily take 10 hours counting for one pressurization cycle while a 737 can do 6 trips in that time. Are short-haul planes build "sturdier" in this regard than their long-haul counterparts so that they are able to better cope with the amount of stress? And/or do they have to go into maintenance more often?
What are the structural differences between short- and long-haul airplanes?
JustSid
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