Where are low-cost airlines cutting back now? New planes.

Many low-cost airlines have indeed had to cut back on new plane acquisitions due to the strain of global economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To balance their finances, some airlines have:

1. Deferred deliveries: Many airlines have postponed purchases of new airplanes and renegotiated their contracts with aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.

2. Leased instead of buying: Leasing aircraft instead of buying outright can be a financially astute move, reducing upfront costs and allowing more flexibility to adjust fleet size based on demand.

3. Retired older planes: Some airlines have accelerated the retirement of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft which are more expensive to operate and maintain.

4. Reduced in-flight services: Some airlines have scaled back in-flight services to minimize interaction between staff and passengers and to save costs.

5. Downsized staff: Unfortunately, many airlines have also had to cut jobs or reduce staff hours, affecting both ground staff and aircrew.

6. Cancelled or reduced routes: Some airlines have cancelled or reduced the frequency of flights to certain destinations, particularly those with travel restrictions or low demand.