[QUOTE=Hank Kingsley;2151036]
Originally Posted by
WhatNow
Unfortunately, these are plans that haven't helped the thousands of First Officers that have lived the stagnation here at Delta while AMR/UAL and our JV/Codeshare brothers amass hundreds of 777/A350/787/A380's. Not sure what color your glasses are, but that's the reality.
In fact, we have reduced our highest paying jobs. And here at Delta, the 777 has been described as an airplane with nowhere to go. Not my words. Why some continue to ignore the fact that Delta has become the travel agent to AF/KLM etc. is beyond me. Because of that practice, we have 18 777's and 8 747's, 26 highest tier paying aircraft. And we are falling behind. Our orders won't keep up. Those 58 767-ER's pay less than they did over 10 years ago. What's the replacement aircraft out there?
The Chinese don't want Apple in their markets either, what happens when they decide PVG isn't a Delta hub. Speculation doesn't cut it.
You might want to look at actual hiring and advancement over the last 10 years at UAL and American compared to Delta. I think we have hired more then UAL and AMR combined.
There are no replacement aircraft being ordered yet for the 767ER because they are not being retired. Since Anderson came onboard the policy has been to order as aircraft are needed in small batches. It's been a very good policy. There was a recent article talking about how much less Delta has been paying for new airframes by buying on short notice opportunity.
I am clearly the optimist among the perpetual doom and gloomers on here but I actually don't think the Shanghai hub will materialize in the form Delta wants. If that happens I would expect to see the one of three things happen.
Current WB orders stay and 7ers retired earlier.
Current WB orders restructured
Current WB orders remain and 7Er's shifted to domestic transcons on a attempt to dominate that market.
Tell me the price of fuel in 3 years and I will tell you which one I think will happen.