More importantly, as has happened before with the rumored 767 replacement, this deal provides flexibility.

Meaning, as the new 787's come, UAL can choose to delay the retirement of the other wide bodies, as was recently done with the 767-400's. It's only money to keep them flying. There is really nothing long term wrong with the 777A's, They are holding up pretty well. So, flexibility. (Now that we have reasonable assurances the engines won't come apart!)

Also as was stated, with the current fleet, I do not believe we have enough planes to fly China once the market reopens. Where will those planes come from?? I still think, at some point, we have to order some more new 777's. I don't think more 777-300ER's will do. We might launch the 777-8??