Originally Posted by C11DCA

The 777x is NOT the same plane as our existing 777's and especially for replacing our 777-200's.

The -8 is the same size as the 777-300er but significantly more long range. Think 777-200LR but in a 777-300 body. So way over built for majority of the missions UAL would fly it on. The -9 is even larger then that.

The A350-900 is a direct 777-200 replacement ( the 787-9 somewhat is as it's slightly smaller) for long haul. The 787-10 is for Europe ops, similar to the 777A models, with a limited range.

The A350-1000 is a direct 777-300er replacement. Same dimensions (the 777-300 will have more seats due to 10 across in coach in our configuration) but lighter, longer ranged, and more efficient due to newer technology.

If we aren't going to take the 737-700's due to them being old tech and thus not as efficient on the routes it would fly, why wouldn't the same apply for the widebody's? The benefit of the 777-300 is quick delivery at a good price in order to park the 747's sooner rather then later. The marginal hit in seats is more then offset by the operational cost savings I bet.

I'd also bet on some conversions of -1000's back to the -900's as originally ordered and hopefully some 321's. But we aren't going to outright cancel the order. Just swap the aircraft mix and timelines of deliveries.

My 2¢. Which isn't worth a lot.