Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer

I think timing, price, and fleet commonality are more at play here.

The 797 is at least 10 years away, and I enjoy flying the 767-300s...but they are getting long in the tooth. Minor electrical glitches (those crappy pushbutton switch/lights that don’t latch, don’t light, or don’t work), occasionally hydraulic leaks, but the biggest gripe is entertainment and lighting in the cabin....an issue when people are in the tube for 9-10 hours.

When I was a new-hire, United had 10 different aircraft types. Each had their niche, but I’m sure there are greater efficiencies in having fewer fleets in terms of training, maintenance, logistics/spares, and the domino effect of vacancy bidding.

I think UA is looking for something to take over the 767 role in 3-5 years. I do think they will play Airbus against Boeing for price, but think they will be reluctant to add a new type, especially with the A350 still a question-mark.

Since the scuttlebutt is we are hog-tied to the 350 because we can’t cancel the Rolls Royce engine contract, my bold prediction: Boeing will build 767s with the Rolls Ultrafan. It will allow us to convert the engine order, Boeing will offer a killer deal to make the KC-46 line more effective, certification costs will be minimized for a proven airframe with a new engine, and the A350 will be cancelled while we wait for the 797.

And we’ll get them in 4 years.

Unless: Airbus makes an offer so cheap, and available within 2-3 years, that we just can’t turn it down.