groundstop

DAL needs to pick up some widebodies to compete with the new UAL/CAL. This isn't breaking news though, they know about it.

Wasatch Phantom

I agree with dalad that it's fun to speculate....

There are a bunch of dots out there on which to speculate about. DAL seems to be in the market for some big iron (HOORAY!), as well as some narrowbody aircraft (hooray!).

But this could turn into a big order at one manufacturer. Suppose they did try and get some 777-300ER's at a discount and Boeing said "No". Then DAL sweetens the pot by saying "Hey if we order a bunch more 737's we expect a big discount on the 777's..." Another factor is the 747-800's that Boeing is building for their inventory (which they really don't want to do). Perhaps think they could be purchased at a healthy discount?

And they could be having a similar conversation with Airbus about A-330's and A-320's.... Airbus is probably smarting a bit after DAL ordered the 737-900's and I'm sure they want to keep DAL as a customer. Hasn't it been a long time since DAL/NWA took delivery of a new Airbus?

New aircraft vs used is an interesting debate. Especially used 747-400's. Didn't DAL fairly recently buy some used MD-80's from AMR to harvest spare parts from? Perhaps they could do the same with some 747's?

Lastly, while I'm excited about the recent announcements of increased service in LAX and SEA I hope it's not just for a few months as a "measured response" to Alaska's shenanigans.

maddogmax

Retirement is great. Miss flying with some great guy's but that's about it. Just went to the BVI as a regular pax. My wife laughed at me the whole time going thru security, boarding pass, sitting in coach, etc. May be coming to PHX soon. Will PM you with the details if it happens. Maybe we can meet up with Jack!

Hawaii50

If it happened it would be kind of like getting back the cargo -200 spots which were quickly retired post merger anyway. Minus the S/O. 777-3s would seem to make much more sense for a long term investment though but any big airplanes are good airplanes. Anything to help break the seniority log jam of the last few years would be awesome.

HBdude

That's fine but this was a Boeing, not a Delta, employee. Perhaps out looking to beat the bushes for possible offers to Delta and other carriers.

Fly4hire

First, the 744 flys close to 20 hrs a day when not in maintenance - 11-13 hr flt to NRT, turn, fly back. Second the 744 carries more payload than anything out there. Belly freight revenue has to be factored in and nothing other than a dedicated freighter carries more. I have never seen the 744 load optimized, and no ETOPS is gravy to that load capacity.

TenYearsGone

I think we have plenty of widebodies with our vast collection of JV/Codeshare partners. Just Say'n!

TEN

johnso29

A few years back turned you into one cynical cat. Lol.

gloopy

But it carries what, 100 or so more ppl? That has to generate revenue.

What's the LH/ULH CASM on the 2 planes anyway?

Also what about the cost of the financing as well as insurance, etc for the 777 (I assume they are higher on the 777). Coupled with the extra 100 or so seats of revenue for the 747 and the fact that we already have them and more would lower the costs of a currently costly small fleet at the top of the pyramid and the numbers could add up.

pilotc90a

ATl-NRT on the 5 and the 8th were load optimized and left at 870K both days. That being said, it does make money! The 744 had a charter a couple of years back that flew just belly freight to NRT, full of Washington cherries, no pax, and yes, they made money on that one too!