For different reasons, Boeing and Airbus make fewer aircraft than they would like, creating shortages in many airlines. But not all airlines!
We have seen that aircraft shortages have frustrated many airlines recently. Aside from production issues, airlines like Spirit also have to deal with lengthy engine checks, involving the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines.
Photo: Forsaken FilmsTo complicate matters even further, a number of airlines, including Spirit, have to deal with overcapacity issues in many routes, after adopting aggressive network expansion in 2021-22. This may sound like a way to alleviate those aircraft shortage issues. But in many cases, aircraft size and route frequency concerns get in the way of the two issues canceling each other out.
Aircraft Shortages A Headache For (most) AirlinesAs for the manufacturers, Boeing’s woes mean that its 737 MAX production will take months to stabilize. And even when it does, it will need FAA approval to expand it beyond 38 aircraf..