Originally Posted by
jerryleber
Yes it it. United's domestic network and hubs are underdeveloped and more RJ dependent than AAL and especially DAL thus the big narrow body orders. DAL's ATL will always be the best domestic hub in the world and by a large margin. United's international network is more developed than its competitors.
Clarification: AAL needs its RJs more than UAL, especially in every hub that does not begin with DFW. Many of its routes simply do not support 130+ seats at a given time with insufficient hub O&D traffic or stiff competition in that particular hub city (except DFW and CLT)...
UAL has more potential to fill up the seats of a 737 to/from most of its hubs, much more than AAL. It CAN develop away from RJs (and in doing so give capacity relief for such hubs!), AAL in many cases cannot.
UAL hubs are largely heavy with O&D traffic, are in higher-income cities, and nearly all serve as significant international gateways.
In any case, I won't undermine the ATL super-fortress that draws envy from every pilot not working for Delta.
