Originally Posted by
scambo1
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I think part of the Detroit flying plus up is profitability. Maybe all of it since in business everything is done with profitability in mind. I do think New York construction does play a role in DTW expansion too. They're trying to get the schedule dust to settle before the construction dust. DTW is definitely one of the nicest airports in the system.
On a related note, I pose a question. Since we didn't furlough when we parked airplanes in the desert, and we are pulling those airplanes out now - which we are completely manned for - and we are parking DC-9s shortly - and we are hiring (lets say the 300 this year covers retirements) - All the folks being hired next year (assuming 100/month) are going to fly what?
Is there a purchase order somewhere that is waiting to be announced or am I a paranoid schizophrenic with catatonic qualities?
Is this where obi wan kenobi says these are not the droids you are looking for?
All the aircraft are coming out of the desert, In addition to the 757's in the desert the 757 fleet has been really underutilized. We have the ability to generate what amounts to 35 additional airframes by increasing the utilization back to historical norms. Add in the purchased MD 90's and some other airframes in the desert coming back and it has the same effect as purchasing 50 airframes.
There are as of last week no new aircraft purchases planned for the next 3 to 4 years. There was some talk of a 777 purchase but it seems dead unless something comes out of the 787 negotiations. Delta continues to take delivery of 737-800's but they are resold before they leave the factory to other airlines.