…But Why Hijack When You Can Buy?…

Of course, if hijacking an airliner is getting a little risky for terrorists, there’s no shortage of used big iron on the market, some of it possibly selling at bargain prices. A South African auction house is selling off a couple of (very) used airliners today. However, Aucor, the auction company, believes (which is different than guarantees) the DC-9 and Boeing 727-100 will go to airlines or charter services. They are apparently airworthy and were repossessed from local companies. Also on the block will be a Metroliner and a Beech Baron. Aucor spokesman Dieter Ebeling said it’s rare to have airliners in this type of auction but in this case the bank wants to get rid of them quickly. He said the company does several airplane auctions a year.