Originally Posted by
notEnuf
Doesn't the announcement need to coinside with a PWA negotiation, like an LOA at least. As if it's leverage or a carrot/stick. I don't see this happening until 1) we get close to the global scope floor or 2) Management identifies a market Delta can profitably serve with a larger aircraft that requires a longer range. We are within our global scope compliance for the forseeable future with our current orders. I also think a larger version of a plane we already can't utilize like we intended is unlikeley. Sydney, Mumbai and Johannesburg are manageable with the A350-900 though not optimal. I don't see the need because Delta is all all about premium pricing and pricing power through scarcity. We'll get what we get but when you are talking about expensive 30 year assets the purchase or lease deal is a real part of the acquisition decision. The need for slightly longer range and more seats isn't a deal breaker, which is why I don't see Delta getting the -1000. Unless it's a great deal because Airbus wants a U.S. major deal to jumpstart sales or some other reason like MRO. Delta is happy kicking tires on used aircraft and small orders for fleet replacement.
I agree with this analysis. The 359's are getting an 11,000 pound weight increase this month. Also, there's gonna be a 1 to 2% fuel reduction updates made to the airplane. Also, the reduction of 31 seats from the airplane will help the load carrying. What nobody can tell me is if we get a widebody order where exactly are we going to fly these planes? While the Atlantic is fairly strong, we've got that market kind of sewn up. Asia is basically making money but generally weak. All I can see happening is a few more niche cities in Europe, and maybe more frequencies to shanghai as that opens up more. I foresee a 20 airplane order of 359's maybe 10 of which are 35K. And it'll just be replacements in the 2030 to 2032 timeframe for 764s and 763s. After all, we already have orders for approximately 16 more 350s and about 18 more 339's to come. I think the hiring thread is indication that the travel market is softening a bit.