BobZ

Is the engine rating a physical difference or a mfg warranty difference for what is physically the same unit?

If so then the thrust rating is simply a matter of money and not modification.

David Puddy

Why buy a BMW with a Honda Accord engine???? Sorry, but that makes no sense to me. But then again I ain't a bean counter...

galaxy flyer

If you need an Accord engine, you don't spend for the extra useless ( to you) performance. Thus is about cost and profit, not flash.

GF

BobZ

Having not followed the pw gtf...is it the same engine? With buyers having warranteed thrust ratings based on terms of sales contract?
Delta generally never pays for anything more than they need.

FL370esq

Some of it is software. Seem to recall our 73s could have up to 2k more power if the company paid for a software configuration change.

qball

When NW got the 319 they only paid for the lowest thrust package. After being continually weight restricted out of places like SNA they ponied up and bought the performance package for higher thrust.

flyallnite

Whatever the case is with the engines and range, I'm sure this jet is not a pig. Just look at it. Not a pig.

So I hear they are looking at NYC, LAX, or possibly both for start up pilot basing. If they only pick one, then they are going to really be hanging it out there in terms of reserve pilots or equipment swaps. If you get a crew on the opposite coast that times out, or the equipment breaks, or somebody gets sick on a layover, you're looking at all day best case to get a replacement.

Which begs the question, why not just put the thing in SLC to start? You can make both coasts even with the restricted (??) range, there's service to everywhere in case you need to send reserves, and it's got the performance to get in and out in the summer and winter. Not to mention the fact that the 717 is doing a lot of lifting out of that hub right now, despite the fact that there is no SLC 717 category. Seems like the perfect airplane for that hub. With all the stuff going on at LGA and LAX, is that really the best place to introduce a new product right now? Both LAX and NYC have the 717, why put another 100 seater in there? SLC needs that size jet, and they could move some of the 717 flying back into the current bases, replacing RJ flying.

qball

That would not be in keeping with the "stuff 60 lbs in to the 40lb bag" theory.

gloopy

Pretty much. Like why doesn't ATL and NYC have an adequate deicing plan (or ATL road clearing, etc)? Because its cheaper to get creamed once in a while than to pay for constant preparation.

Fantasy scenarios are just too tempting to pass up. All crews in some theoretical boutique base that supposedly saves 2 cents in hotel costs or trip credit will get the green light, period. Planes hopscotching all over the country with no MX/crew support makes sense on paper under laboratory conditions with near perfect (advertised) dispatch reliability rates, etc.

What's really interesting is the discussion on the range/engines/etc its coming with. This is supposed to be a "game changer" airplane (it won't be LOL!) but it at least seems like it would be ordered to its potential rather than severely constrained as some have said.

Then again there have always been incredibly powerful interests at work that bias towards the cheapest options no matter what. If airlines even bother speccing manual seats instead of electric, you can bet they'll go nuts over cheaper engines, certifications and avionics if available. #savvy

qball

Airline economics have always been about "what will it cost me today", not "how much will it save me 5-10 years from now." I doubt that will change.