ACC Aviation Group: 737NG has 'seen the bulk of action regarding capacity replacement for the MAX'

ACC Aviation Group reported (21-May-2019) the Boeing 737 MAX grounding has "yielded opportunities for the MAX's predecessor", the 737NG. According to ACC, airlines have been forced to make certain spot fleet decisions over the past few months in order to mitigate the cost and risk of schedule disruptions for the peak summer season. ACC noted that of the 71 Boeing 737 MAX operators globally, 67 are also 737NG operators, making "migrating back to the NG... the most natural fit" and ensuring the 737 NG "has seen the bulk of action regarding capacity replacement for the MAX". Capacity replacements involving the 737 NG include:

• SilkAir suspended the transfer of 14 737-800s to Scoot;
• Norwegian delayed remarketing of its six 737-800s in addition to seeking to wet lease additional aircraft;
• SpiceJet plans to lease 16 737-800s to help reduce the grounding impact and support expansion;
• flydubai cancelled services and adjusted its schedule to minimise disruption while continuing to operate its fleet of 46 737-800 aircraft;
• Go2Sky wet leased three 737-800s to LOT Polish Airlines. LOT also wet leased an additional two 737-400s, one 737-300 and one A320 to cover for its five grounded MAX aircraft. [more - original PR]