Airlines scour globe for capacity as aircraft shortage takes toll
The massive aircraft deals announced this year — from Air India’s record 470-plane order in February to newcomer Riyadh Air building a large fleet from scratch — are testament to the optimism about a post-pandemic rebound.
But as the surge in travel meets a dearth of available jets, more airlines are scouring the globe for fill-in purchases to sidestep the endless wait lists for new aircraft.
Alaska Air Group Inc. is in the process of offloading its modest fleet of 10 Airbus SE A321neo jets. Among the most popular models and therefore the hardest to get, the aircraft have drawn interest from multiple prospective takers, led by American Airlines Group Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.
