Originally Posted by
80ktsClamp
The 717s are to replace lift of the DC-9s (17 left) and CRJs being parked. Mainline fleet count is now ~720 and with the delivery of the 717s, the mainline fleet is planned to go to 796. That's quite a few more pilot positions and 20 airplanes more than DL/NW combined had premerger.
Here's to some relief from the pain, stagnation, and otherwise craphole that the state of things are now.
Looking at the way things are going, I would say the 717's are replacing the current 76 seat jet routes(former DC9), while the new and newer 76 seat jets will be replacing the 50 seat jets on most of their current routes. In other words, Delta is simply up-sizing its fleet instead of shifting flying back to mainline, but scope relief takes time. You will know the answer to this if the next Dal TA has more 76 seat jets in it, but with shorter route limits vs block hour limits.