Originally Posted by
shiznit
Calm it a little, this isn't ALPA or NWA's or Delta's "fault". It's a function of the profitability of the company and world economy. Should we fly money losing planes all over the world "just because we always have"?
The Delta network has been and will continue to change, and its been known for a long time that the 744's were probably next on the chopping block in the WB fleet(constantly talked about how much RA doesn't like 4 engines).
It is odd that they will pull 3 planes of flying in late Sept. but not displace until 2015. I'm sure there is a reason that we aren't seeing.
Is it a charter utilization issue? You can take 3 or 4 out and still operate the schedule?
The 744s are not necessarily young either. Yes, when you have a route that needs them then they're awesome, but they do tend to age and unless you want a 748, you're going to go down size wise to a 773 or further to a 330, which ever makes the most margin most of the time.