The International Air Transport Association (Iata) says airlines may lose $9bn this year - almost double the estimate made just three months ago.
BBC NEWS | Business | Airlines' losses to soar further
The US's third largest airline, United, is asking rival plane makers Boeing and Airbus to prepare bids for an order that could total 150 jets.
The carrier is hoping to take advantage of the recession to get a better price for the deal that could be worth $10bn dollars.
BBC NEWS | Business | United looking for plane bargain