The failure of aircraft structures caused by fatigue and rupture is minimized during the period when the aircraft structures perform their intended fun ction under specified conditions by taking economy and maintenance into account.To meet economic life, objective life of design phase should be determined scientifically. At the same time, the model of economic life is put forward by incorporating the design of safe life with damage tolerance design organically and the safety and potential of the structure can be guaranteed by arranging the inspection period properly. The reliability design and economic life assessment of aircraft structures is presented. It is developed by combining safe life design with fracture mechanics. It is of significant scientific value for products to provide longer economic life, higher reliability, and lower cost.