FedEx: additional 19 767's
 

Here's a better article with a bit more info on how it affects 777 acquisitions...

Dow Jones: FedEx Continues to Reconfigure Fleet in Advance of Restructuring

Even though the dollar amount swap was about equal trading 777 for 767's that, to me, equals less pilots needed for manning. Nice to know though that we still have 24 more 777's in the pipeline.

Would you rather have them hire more pilots for manning and then risk 4a2b again?

The economy is going south again before it goes north, it's just a matter of when. Personally, I'm really happy with how the company is recognizing that potential and making acquisitions for slower growth and more security than irresponsible growth with serious risks.

Might be a wash for pilots. Greater number of 767 or lesser number of 777 that requires more pilots per plane.

Maybe they just want to tie up 767F line positions against competitors, or for resale???

I'm no expert, but I'd say the 767 would be more flexible. Then if the mission calls for it the company would send big brother (777).

Are the new FedEx 767Fs that come off the line gonna be equipped with the same flight deck as the 767-400s?

Depends on who you ask.

Not what I was referring to. I agree the two are completely different in the system.

I was simply referring to the number of pilots required per plane. The 777 requires more pilots for an equal number of 767s. If the 767 buy is higher than the 777 buy was, more 767s require more pilots.