Delta Air Lines is among airlines Boeing has approached to buy dozens of 737 MAX jets built for clients that have since scrapped their orders or gone bust, two people familiar with the issue told Reuters.
See also: Boeing shareholders sue board of directors for management of 737 MAX.
As the 737 MAX edges closer to commercial flight after an 18-month grounding, Boeing is scrambling to find buyers for the so-called “white tails” – jets painted white, awaiting an airline livery, or whose color schemes need to be swapped.
The 737 MAX’s ban following two fatal crashes had already caused some carriers to walk and the number of unsold jets has soared as the COVID-19 pandemic decimated demand for air travel and new aircraft.
Boeing has had discussions with Delta to take 40 of the 737 MAX “white tails,” the people said.
Boeing and Delta declined to comment.
Of the top four U.S. airlines, Delta is the only one without the MAX. An order from the Atlanta-based carrier, whose relations with Boeing have been frayed in recent years, would be a surprise, market sources said.
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