Airlines desperate for planes paying more to rent used aircraft

Cost of used-jet rentals at highest level in years amid supply crunch, 737 Max crisis

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Boeing's latest 737 Max crisis has worsened an airline shortage of popular narrow-body aircraft, sending the cost of used-jet rentals to the highest level in years.

The US planemaker has slowed production of its best-selling model to address quality lapses tied to a near-disaster on a 737 Max 9 in January.

With Airbus also struggling to lift output, available planes remain scarce. As a result, airlines are searching out leased ones - especially the largest single-aisle jets that carry more passengers.

A three-year-old 737 Max 9, the largest narrow body in production at Boeing, now commands a higher monthly rent than before the pandemic, according to data from Ishka Global.