SEATTLE- Airfare prices for your summer vacation may skyrocket this year due to manufacturing delays for new Boeing aircraft, which will likely reduce the number of flights available in the United States.
U.S. airlines are anticipated to receive 40% fewer planes than they had planned for last year, leaving the industry scrambling to find ways to accommodate the expected record air travel this summer.
“From a consumer standpoint, with demand strong and supply relatively weak, that’s a recipe for higher airfares,” Richard Aboulafia, the managing director of Aerodynamic Advisory, told NBC News.
The supply shock for the airline industry results from the delayed delivery of new Boeing planes. United Airlines (UA) was contracted to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes and 34 Max 9 models in 2024 but now expects to receive 37 and 19, respectively.
Boeing’s Max 10s face the most significant delay, as the expected model has yet to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has not been provided with a timetable for delivery.
United Airlines was contracted to receive 80 Max 10s this year and 71 in 2025.
Both Southwest (WN) and United Airlines have suspended hiring due to the delays, and United has offered pilots unpaid leave.
Additionally, Southwest and Alaska Airlines cannot forecast how many flights they will be able to handle due to the delays.
An Alaska Airlines flight initially triggered the recent turmoil at Boeing. A blowout of part of the plane’s fuselage has led to multiple investigations into Boeing and its manufacturing practices.
“It means higher prices, but also planes that would be more full than they would otherwise be,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Also Read: US Airlines, Including American, United, Delta, and Southwest, want you to Dress Properly – Aviation A2Z
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
Bhavya Velani
Bhavya Velani is the Founder of Aviation A2Z. Bhavya Started Aviation A2Z as a youtube channel and created unique and engaging content for Aviation Professionals. He is very passionate about Writing Aviation Blogs and creating content. Founded in 2018, Aviation A2Z has grown rapidly, with 1 Million Monthly visitors. Bhavya writes for Airways Magazine, AIRLIVE, AeroXplorer, Travel Radar and other global publications.