When I began my journey as a "big-jet" pilot those who were my captains (think 50 years old and no 60+) transitioned from DC-3s to DC-10s and B747s. What a huge change they experienced over their 25-35 year careers.

I began mine as a lowly S/O on the panel of the first B727 (yes number airframe 1) and UAL was taking delivery of brand new "advanced" models of the same airframe. Jump almost 40 years later and I'll be retiring off the B787, Boeing's most advanced and automated airplane.

My career, when compared to those who sat in the left seat when I started, has seen very little change in real jet technology. Yes we now have computers, better autoflight, navigation, materials and such, but largely I still fly the same kind of airplanes (these days I don't "hand fly" up to cruise or the entire descent anymore).

What I'm trying to write is this, what's wrong with an updated B767? Is it worth Boeing designing and spending trillions of dollars to provide an airframe only marginally better than the B767? The days of huge leaps and bounds of technology seen by those who came before me/us are gone and done.

Besides which, as one of those long retired and gone Captains said to me, "These are the good old days. The cockpit is cool in the summer, warm in the winter and we get to go fast everywhere."

May your soul rest in peace Captain Bump!