Okay, first, I screwed with the post over and over since I posted it. i think I have the numbers correct now.

But $200M, 100% LF and 100% cargo and $40M 744s?

$64M advantage 744. That's roughly what, $6M each 744? What would the difference in maintenance be? Probably $6M or more. So there the two planes are close together in numbers and the 77W as a new plane would make far more sense unless you couldn't get them.

Given the sales success the 77W is right now and the plausibility behind Boeing not budging on numbers (hey, 787 has got to be killing them) I'd wonder what that price for a $315M 77W would be?

Plus, the 744s can be here sooner probably if Boeing is having another airline trade them in for the 748 which have open slots.

All a guess on my part. I just wonder, when RA and EB refuse to budge on how much they're willing to pay, does the Boeing sales rep say "I've got to go talk to my manager, I'll be right back." "Okay, my manager says, $310M and they'll take a trade in on your A330s if you purchase more 787s... no?... okay, let me talk to my manager... I can tell a monthly payment is the big factor for you..."