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.