Airlines seek alternative for grounded 787

ORLANDO, Fla. — Some airlines are looking for short-term replacements for the grounded Boeing 787 as the busy summer travel season gets closer.

Jeff Knittel of airplane leasing company CIT says airlines are talking to them about alternatives to the 787. He says leasing rates for similar planes like the Boeing 767 and the Airbus A330 have gone up slightly.

Boeing’s newest jet has been grounded for almost two months because of two battery incidents, including a fire. Boeing has proposed a fix but it requires federal approval and further testing.

Fifty planes have been delivered to eight airlines, with more deliveries expected this year. With deliveries halted, airlines have had to make other plans. Boeing has said it still expects to deliver at least 60 of the jets this year.