Originally Posted by
sailingfun
Two airframes is rarely cost effective verses one. That is especially true on international flights. 3 to 4 pilots becomes 6 to 8. One gate becomes two. Additional route authorities become needed and your maintenance costs almost double. Word is Delta is looking at only two options. The 777-300 or the A350-1000. The A330's would be 767 replacements.
I agree with everything you said. I was never making the argument that the 330 was replacing the 744. However, my post you just quoted was referring to flexibility and efficiency.
IOW, taking your above statement to the extreme, we would fly a single mothership daily to Europe.