Originally Posted by
WHACKMASTER
Hmmm. So why the hell would they have cancelled 30 -800 deliveries? I just don't get it. Is it possible that the deal includes taking some of DLA's 737s that are on property and/or delivery slots? Have any DLA pilots heard anything on that? Congrats btw. I hope this is at least partial growth for you guys when all is said and done.
Could it be capacity discipline? A few ago Southwest CEO was quoted as saying that "if" the 717 was to find a new home they would slow down the retirement of the 737 classics, they want to receive more -800 but it would be a tricky transition to replace the 717 with -800. It would be a huge jump to go from 117 seats to 175 seats, this would mean reduced frequency and less pilots as well.
"Even if Southwest replaces those Boeing 717s on a one-for-one basis, it will still represent an increase in Southwest's capacity. The 717s have 10.296 seats. If they are replaced by 143-seat Boeing 737-700s, it'll be a 22.2 percent increase in seats to 12,584. If the 717s are replaced by 175-seat Boeing 737-800s, it'll be a 49.6 percent increase to 15,400 seats."
Southwest Airlines to sublease its Boeing 717s to Delta | Airline Biz Blog | dallasnews.com