Originally Posted by Ray Kinsella

Straight from a chief magazine straightener;
First 747-8 in service 10/18/17. As more come on line they will take the heaviest routes and equipment will cascade down. Expect significant reduction in MD11 flying in Asia as it gets reassigned to domestic by end of 2018.

Expect 66 (yes, 66) new Capts on the next bid just for the 747. Bid this fall and UPS anticipates late 2006 hire as the junior Capt. The 2014 hires are sitting pretty well.

Current 747 training has students taking 2 weeks off in the middle due to lack of instructors. They are in a near panic and exploring "all options."

Just what I've heard.