Originally Posted by
Tinpusher007
Consider also that legacy UAL was "the" launch customer for the 777 dating back to 1995. All those P&W birds are not going to be flying much longer, hence the 787 and 350 orders. Yes, they and AA have many more 777s than we do but they dont use them in the same way. Delta typically only uses 777s for missions that require it's range and cargo capabilities. We will have 67 A330s when all is said and done and all of ours are newer than their 777s. The 330 may not be an ultra long haul bird and I too was disappointed that we passed on the 787s but the A330 still pays well at Delta. And as has been mentioned, we are profit leaders compared to our counterparts.
Right on target. Those initial base 777's at UA are kind of useless especially if fuel goes up. I believe they were meant to replace dc10 (10 series) flying in the past. As for running 777 across the pond unless you are hauling a lot of cargo it is not plane for the mission.
Way too much plane for capacity and range (from eastern US gateways). I'm not DAL but the 767/332 and 333 are ideal for that. If you are going long range the 787 is hard to beat. Perhaps the 359 or 10 would be the best bet for longer heavier routes, but that is what the 777-200er and LR do hence delivery postponements. Bottom line with carriers right sizing their fleets you might not see a increase in WB flying for awhile IMO and hard to see who will have the most based on today's numbers.