Originally Posted by
forgot to bid
So ACL, per the conversations on this thread about the C-Series. It looks as if EMB is nimbling at or possibly about to make a go at it to compete with the C-Series. It might be real or it might be posturing. Looks like its a stretched E195 with bigger engines, probably better performance and I wouldn't be surprised if its a different wing like they did between the 170 and 190. A stretched 195 will be a very big plane fwiw. Its not your FO's 170.
I bring this up here for one reason, we just heard today no new NEW planes. We know the 90 is being brought in -30/-40 replacement and the -50s are staying for a while. So hopefully not a net loss of positions at DAL. But that doesn't mean no new planes in 2012 for a real -30/-40 replacement that is similiar in size, i.e. a pilot growth plane.
Is the C-Series and DAL possibilities dead in light of the big 90 grab? Or does the Embraer move possibly show signs that the C-Series is being seriously considered and EMB needs to respond? Or that EMB is just trying to split interest and demand? I don't know, just wondering where the C-Series (i.e. the most likely 100 seat replacement) sits with DAL.
Proposed stretch dubbed E-195X by Embraer
My guess is that the "no new planes" is the story this year. The company is trying to rein in their capital expenditures and debt load - I guess it's making Wall Street nervous. Also, companies seem to make bad long-term decisions to keep cash flow going to pay debt.
That IS a big plane - this quote got my attention:
A source with knowledge of the situation says Embraer responded to a request for proposals to replace American Airlines' McDonnell Douglas MD-80s with the so-called E-195X.
Regional aircraft - whatever. These are mainline-sized aircraft, doing mainline service. They need to be flown with mainline pilots. Just because it's the same company that made the Brasilia doesn't make it a commuter airplane. Same with Bombardier.
I think as long as we can get MD-90s at bargain prices, Delta will. Why pay all sorts of money for a new plane when a used one will do more, for less? The difference in price can pay for a lot of mx. Of course, there is a limit to the number of MD-90s in the world... but look how long it took to get the China Eastern ones? I've been hearing "more MD-90s are coming" for two years!