Originally Posted by Pilotpip
The biggest issue that AA and UA had with size was fleet size, as in types in fleet. In some cases, they were using as many as 3 types for the same route. While this may have utilized the best aircraft for the number of pax, it also meant stocking 3 sets of parts, 3 towbars, training mechanics, pilots and ground crews on 3 different aircraft, etc. It really raised costs. By reducing fleet types, they may have lost some efficiency, but have gained huge savings in other costs.
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You really think that American's financial problems were based on them having to buy a couple extra tow bars and teach the ground crews the difference between a MD80 and a 757? These were mostly sunk costs as all the fleets existed before 9/11. Additional fleet types represent extra cost, but also an economic advantage to gauge the aircraft to the specific route demands. All the majors were making money with their many fleet types before the downturn started. The revenue environment changed and 9/11 blew the bottom out. The majors couldn’t change fast enough.