Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

Cliffs version:

We're slowly de-hubbing NRT in favor of North America to Asia point to point.

NRT/HND still highest pax yields with China being the lowest.

De-hubbing strategy will require much smaller aircraft than the 744, thus not renewing their leases.

No mention of the 777-300 replacing the 744 as that aircraft is also too big for the strategy.

744 is profitable airframe, but is forecast not to be after leases expire due to higher projected maintenance costs.

He "said" that Delta's strategy is to use Delta for the strategy as opposed to JV partners. When I pressed him, he revised that Delta will ensure Delta gets 50% of the growth compared to JV partners. The discussion clearly made him uncomfortable. It did me too, but for different reasons.

Vehemently against the Export Import Bank. Delta will fight for a level international playing field.

Overall, the Pacific has a bright future at Delta due to the forecast continued population and manufacturing growth in Asia.

I'm sure there was more, but I didn't take notes.

Carl