Originally Posted by
YAKflyer
I don't have a dog in this fight but I think leasing the Egyptian planes on a short term basis to address an engine problem that was unknown when the planes were ordered is a relatively creative solution. When I'm looking at online forums I am very leery of opinions offered that are based on hearsay. I think the A220s are probably a pretty good plane that has great numbers. If there are teething issues they are not bad enough to prevent Delta from placing follow on orders. Airbus is egar to establish a solid base and highly motivated to resolve any operational issues the airplane may have.
The 220's are doing just fine for Delta. Delta has however shown themselves over history to be uniquely capable of operating oddball and orphaned aircraft. Think Convair 880, L1011, MD90, 717, L100, MD11 and a complete in-house reengining of the DC8.
Keep in mind Airbus bought the A220 to kill a competitor and insure Boeing did not get the aircraft. It would not surprise me in the least that when aircraft orders slow they end the program completely. It then becomes another orphaned aircraft.