Over 75 airlines are expected to operate long-haul passenger flights to and from the United States this year. Most of these airlines will use their own aircraft, but data from Cirium Diio indicates that four carriers will temporarily lease equipment from other airlines. This practice is rare, with only 0.22% of long-haul services in the country operating under such arrangements.
The temporary leasing of aircraft is costly and typically occurs for unavoidable reasons. From a passenger’s perspective, it can be frustrating if the product does not meet usual expectations or if changes are not communicated effectively.
As noted, circumstances may change; thus, this report serves as a snapshot as of February 7. Not all examples involve wet-leased equipment where an airline uses another’s aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.
Iberojet will fly for Arkia on a new route for Israel’s second-largest airline. On February 8, Arkia plans to deploy an Iberojet A330-900 between Tel Aviv and New York JFK. “It appears Arkia will use its own cabin crew,” indicating a damp lease agreement. The three-weekly service is bookable until June 30.
Arkia initiated this route due to increased fares following non-stop flight disruptions caused by conflict. However, with United and Delta planning returns to Tel Aviv in March and April respectively, Arkia’s rationale for the link may diminish.
LOT Polish Airlines continues using leased equipment by deploying a EuroAtlantic Boeing 777-200ER between Warsaw and New York JFK since October 2024. It is scheduled exclusively on LO26 until September 30.
Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787-9s will operate for Neos five times this year on flights from Milan Malpensa to New York JFK. Norse aims to improve its financial situation through less scheduled flying and more leasing and charters after experiencing losses in the third quarter of 2024.
Lastly, Level plans to use an Iberojet A330-900 from Barcelona to New York JFK between June 1 and September 30. Operating daily under flight number IB2627/IB2628, it remains unclear when Level’s IATA code (LL) will replace Iberia’s prefix (IB).
