Why Boeing’s 737 Max crisis is pushing up airfares

The grounding of Boeing 737 Max jets is having an impact on business travel worldwide

Aircraft maker Boeing has been in crisis mode since two of its 737 Max jets crashed, one in October 2018 and the other in March 2019, killing 346 people. All Max flights were halted around the world after the second crash.

The grounding of Max planes is having an impact on business travel worldwide, but Europe is particularly exposed, with six airlines feeling the effects.

Holding pattern

Check out BCD Travel’s 2020 Industry Forecast for details on which European airlines are relying on the 737 Max’s return.

Expansion plans by Norwegian and Turkish Airlines are derailed; key parts of existing fleets are grounded and future aircraft deliveries won’t arrive as originally scheduled.

Ryanair’s future is linked to the model. It has orders for 135 Max aircraft and was scheduled to take delivery of 58 of the aircraft by summer 2020. Ryanair blamed 737 Max problems for slowing growth and higher-than-expected fuel costs. The Max is 10% to 15% more fuel efficient than older Boeing 737s in the airline’s fleet.

Air Italy, Icelandair and LOT Polish Airlines also have parked 737 Max planes and are waiting for new ones to arrive.

U.S.-based Boeing, which replaced its chief executive officer in late December, hasn’t said when the 737 Max will return.

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