Originally Posted by
gloopy
I think that's true to some extent, but may be overstating it just a bit.
They care a LOT about the deal on the AC, and a large panic RFP hampers that, although they do have the flexibility to use the whipsaw so maybe that will mitigate it.
But other than NYC, the 88/90 fleet will be plenty deployable elsewhere in the network for a few years at least. They're already here, paid for, with pilots trained etc. If they get a deal too good to pass up then they'll bite. But if not I don't see why they'd freak out about it as much as many are implying.
That said, perhaps just the removal of NYC will be enough to throw a bucket of sand in the gears of the "just in time" marketing based fantasy numbers where fleets live and die based on 0.001% costs and that will induce a panic who knows. But there's no reality based reason to pull the panic cord.
Deployable, and reliably deployable are two different operational and economic calculations.
I'm guessing the concentration of 88 airframes to Atlanta is partly due to the master base capacity to absorb disruptions in service due to anticipated deteriorating dispatch reliability in the fleet.
everytime I read the summary of operational events....there is one airframe family that seemingly predominates the reports.
You are right, the deal has to be there..but I'm betting if mgmt could wave a magic wand, the 88s would be gone. yesterday.