Originally Posted by
FL370esq
It's not an ETOPS issue as Delta routinely runs 180 min ETOPS on its Pacific A350 legs. It's an A350 issue.
306 passengers plus cargo plus fuel (to include the 450 mile away Brisbane alternate) puts you over the max T.O. weight. I believe Delta is looking into having Airbus increase the max TO weight so they can fly this route...all for a small fee, of course.
That's UFB as that route is 7,500 miles and the advertised range for the A359/10 is 8,100/8,400 vs. the 787-9 at 7,635. The UA 787-9s are rarely weight-limited so either DAL skimped on the MTOGW or Airbus once again overpromised and underdelivered. No wonder UA management wants to shed their 45 orders for the A359s with RR engines sounds like they could do it cheaply for cause.