Originally Posted by
Sliceback
DL’s fleet age was 17.0 yrs last summer. AA’s was 10.8 yrs.
That gap doesn’t come for free. What will DL’s balance sheet look like when they start updating their fleet and reduce it from its industry lagging position? It’s all a trade off in choosing one path over another from a corporate management decision.
No disputing those facts, however, I’ve heard the 88s are paid for by the 9th or 10th of each month and the rest of the month is pure profit. The one department of ours that is consistently forgotten about and underestimated is our TechOps. There’s a reason they were selected by Pratt to overhaul over 5000 engines as a part of our NB Airbus deal in December.
Also, because of our lower debt we have a better credit rating than similar airlines which in turn helps with lower interest rates on new jets. No doubt our debt may increase in the next 5-10 years but it won’t be dramatic, if things stay the course like it seems to be.