Originally Posted by Bucking Bar

Remember where you heard it first. Using reasonably accurate estimates our MD88 and 757 fleets are nearing structural limits requiring their replacement. Figuring a 18 to 36 month lead time from orders to deliveries we are serious shoppers.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ma...elta-5457.html

Stock usually jumps with talk of airplane orders. As a trade, buy DAL on the dips, plan for a sale around mid to late June. I can see a Delta representative at the Paris Air Show talking about how our orders integrate into the needs of our global partners, with the Air France rep standing in front of an A380 model. If so, good for us as we get a lot more staffing out of our split in the AF/SkyTeam allocation.

What is most interesting about this announcement is the signal it sends on potential merger partners. This tells me it is less likely (although still possible) we believe Alaska's fleet will be deployed as part of Delta.

I think paying for our own fleet replacement is something of a last resort for Delta management. Aside from the DC9, there are no efficiencies that will make the new jets "self financing." In fact, in the case of the 757, the replacement jet may not even be as efficient (refer to press on British Airways replacement of their aging 757's with A321's).