It was stated that starting in Spring 2013, UAL would be replacing the LUAL 757's with the 50 new 737-900ER's that were ordered. The phase out would be complete within 2 years, and all but 15 of the 757's would be gone.
Been hearing this for over a year. About the time the winglet debate started.
Any growth that LCAL pilots THOUGHT they were going to have looks like it just went bye bye, as the other 100 737-9Max's won't be coming around until AT LEAST 2018.
I don't know of any pilot over here that thought that the 73 orders were going to produce any growth. Just replacements.
Makes those two pilots who were standing behind ole Jeffey at the order announcement look like even BIGGER fools for drooling all over themselves about these "wonderful new planes".
Just theatrics. Every airline has a few stooges who will gladly pose with the CEO's. What they really thought, or if they had their middle finger extended in their pocket is anybody's guess.