Originally Posted by
L'il J.Seinfeld
I know FDX is planning to fly their 777s from Hong Kong to MEM. It looks like from the data above that the 747-8 would be a better alternative since it carries more and has a range only 400 miles shorter.
Not necessarily. The driving factor for FDX is probably costs, IE at what cost to move a certain amount from China to MEM. While the 747-8 might fly further under the example given it might not be able to do variations of load quite so well. Also while the 747 version goes 400nm's further, at what fuel cost as compared to the 777? I've also heard that the load bins used by FDX do not fit well in the Whale.
UPS still has not named a replacement for the A380 cancellation and the new 767s were not originally planned to replace the DC-8s. We have downsized a lot of aircraft in the last 18 months and not received enough -400s and MDs to make up the difference. This summer and peak will be interesting.
I agree, something needs to give with A/C orders if we are to continue moving the same amount of freight by air (at least I would think so). Now is the time to buy used aircraft (as airlines move from 747-400s to newer 777 / 787's). Taking possession will all hinge on new aircraft deliveries.
All the above is opinion only.
GW has nothing to do with anything I wrote.