A little back story I heard, but it may not be 100% accurate: When the Boeing vs Bombardier legal fight was going on, regarding Boeing petitioning for an import tariff against the C series being sold to Delta, Airbus saved the day by taking over 51% of the C series, rebranding it the A220, thus skirting around the fees. Delta, in disgust with Boeing, dumped all of their 787 options and replaced them with A350 options. AA was able to pick up those 787 options on the cheap, and canceled all options for the 350. That's the way I've heard it, at least...
Not to derail, but I heard a rumor on the jumpseat the other day that Embraer made a deal with Parker to replace the E-190's with E-195 E2's. Although I understand the 190's were to be parked. First I've heard of that. Anyone hear likewise? If true, I hope they go on group 2, and get rid of that group 1 scale.