When DL puts a new aircraft category in either an established base or opens an entirely new domicile. When we opened the 73N category in SEA on the last AE, it was "new" because previously we only had a A330 and 7ER in SEA, and therefore it was available for anyone to bid. Same thing for NYC 330..even though we have a big base in NYC including the 717, M88, A320, 73N and 7ER...network decided that we need a "new" A330 category in NYC to fly the new 242-ton A330's coming this year.

Just to add to the rumor mill, did anyone else catch that reference in the latest Flt Ops Weekly Update about how marketing is looking at west coast 717 flying and "we will explore our options of 717 West Coast categories"? If DL decides to put the 717 in SLC, LAX or SEA, it would also be a "new" category. SLC 717 sounds good to me..who do I call to make it happen?

Congrats and Welcome Aboard to everyone drown-proofing in the shallow pool..hope to see you out on the line soon.