One of the top network guys at Delta (Joe...missed his last name) was in the JFK pilot lounge yesterday and gave a presentation.

Here are some of his points:

AIRCRAFT
- 747: there are 7 still flying; they retire Dec 2017. I'm not sure if that will be all 7 or if they'll be down to 1 or 2 by then.
- A359: service from DTW, beginning 3rd Qtr 2017.
- 767: oldest ones in the fleet will be retired, replaced by remaining 333 deliveries (we have 26 now, 5 more coming) and then the 33neo deliveries (25 from '19-'22).
- 757: Network says this jet fills a niche like no other airplane does. Boeing is looking at a 757 replacement aircraft because of this niche. If they build one, Delta wants it.
- A321: 5 now in service; 82 by 2019.
- 739: 60 of the 120 delivered
- MD88: retiring from 2017 - '21. When they come up for their H inspections, they will be "put down." His words...that got a chuckle. Replacing them with the deliveries of A321s, 739s, and CS-100s.
- 717: all 91 delivered
- CS-100: initial bases in LAX, SEA, and then JFK.

NETWORK:
- Delta plans to grow at DFW but, to answer a question from a Texas commuter, has no plans to put a pilot base there. Staying at Love Field and would actually like to get more gates there, pending court action between Dallas and Southwest.
- Growth at LHR enabled by Virgin Atlantic JV. Heathrow is the biggest European business hub.
- Growth in China enabled by China Eastern JV.
- Service to Cuba from JFK starts in December.