Originally Posted by
sailingfun
I am not sure where you get that data. The 787-900 has a 244,000 lb empty weight and typically seats 250 to 260 in a 4 class. UAL seats 257 in their 4 class. The A330-900 has a 302,000 lb empty weight and we seat 281 in a 4 class. Takeoff weights are close which is why the 787 has much better range/payload numbers and is crushing the A330-900 in sales.
United has a way bigger first class section than we do. Pax count are broadly identical if configured comparatively. If we wanted the 787, we’d have ordered it, or not cancelled them. Instead we’ve ordered the A339, added ten more, and added two more. The OEW is higher than 787, but not the level you have indicated. For comparison, Virgin Atlantic operates the 333 (same cabin size as 339) and 789, and they hold exactly 264 each.
I guess I just don’t see why we’d get the 787 now when we’ve had the chance and gone down the 330 path, and preach streamlining fleet families now. Unless the 787 takes out the 765 and ER categories in one, it doesn’t achieve much there.