Originally Posted by Tinpusher007

Don't the current fleet of 220s fit this niche well? I don't believe we need another shrunken narrow body for performance reasons. They already tried that with a small fleet of 737-700s and ditched them after covid. I dont see them making the same choice now with the max. But one day, the 737-800s/A320/A319 will need a replacement. One could argue that DL could have picked from any of the current offerings to start replacing these jets already, especially the A320s. Instead they have chosen to extend the life of some with new cabins and updated avionics. That would seem to indicate that they don't yet see an optimal replacement and that the economics of keeping some of these older birds flying makes more sense than purchasing what they consider to be sub-optimal replacements. I personally believe that the A220-500 that hopefully comes free of engine problems checks the boxes on their wishlist. But I dont think Airbus is as enthused about making it. So they must have a plan B in mind.

One also has to consider that these aircraft that need replacing were bought during a different time and for different missions than DL is looking to serve now. The 319, for example is small but also has good range for a domestic airplane. DL doesnt seem to want small airplanes these days but does like range, so even though the A223 seems an obvious replacement on paper, it might not be the obvious choice. But then almost everyone seems to be avoiding the A320 NEO as well, but not the MAX 8 to the same extent. For the remaining 320/737-800, knowing DL, I could see them simply ordering a large batch of either 321NEOs or MAX 10s to replace everything or splitting an order for 321NEOs for the 320s and MAX 10s for the 738s, respectively.

Originally Posted by Gone Flying

no amount of blocked seats will get an a321 or max 10 into EYW. (Well maybe blocking ALL of them)

we fly to several airports where we would need extra performance to get in/out reliably. We may decide to do it with blocking off half the seats on a 321, but I doubt even doing that would give it the performance of a full 319. JAC, EYW, EGE, SXM ect likely would not be able to support a max 10 or 321 even with significant seat blocks. And those are not markets a “premium airline” can just abandon because they don’t want to buy a plane that can fly there.

I agree the VAST majority of our domestic fleet will be 739, 7m10, 321 and 321NEOS in the not so distant future, and that will be for the better. Most the places we fly are long runways where extra performance just means extra cost. But we will need at least some aircraft that can perform at places that are not 8,000’ sea level runways. Will it be the a220? Or a few max 7/8s? I don’t think anyone here knows. But unless we are prepared to walk away from several markets, it will be something other than the max 10 or 321NEO.

Originally Posted by gloopy

Right, So the 319, 221, 223 and RJ’s can do those.

If it were up to me I’d order a couple dozen 7MAX’s. I just don’t think it’ll happen. On paper CASM is greater than the “mission” of a few boutique markets that can be done, worst case, by outsourcing to RJ’s. And that’s assuming the 221/223 can’t do it.

Originally Posted by Gone Flying

if the 223 can do any airport the max 7 can, ordering max 7s makes no sense. The -8s are obviously considerably bigger and might give us the ability to not down gauge certain 757 flights all the way to an a220. I’m not saying we will see 100 max 8s, but 20-30 really wouldn’t surprise me. Very little downside when we already have numerous 73N pilot bases and the planes themselves will be extremely similar parts wise to the hundreds of other 737s we will be flying.

Originally Posted by Gone Flying

looked at and make a final decision are different. Unless a final decision has been made but not announced, I’d still argue no one knows for sure. But I don’t know what has been decided behind closed doors so you and the general may very well know for sure.

even EYW for the max 8? That would be impressive if true.

Originally Posted by DeltaN900DE

I’m sure UA would’ve been using it at EYW if it could handle it easily, and I’m sure it would be doing SNA-EWR eastbound if it could handle it.

Originally Posted by DeltaN900DE

…i’m sure UA would’ve been using it at its future could be the state bird of Florida

Originally Posted by Gone Flying

solid point, although ATL is over 500nmi closer to both SNA and EYW than EWR is.

Originally Posted by gloopy

Even more proof that it truly is the perfect 757 replacement.

Originally Posted by DeltaN900DE;[url=tel:4035428

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it seems like the 321neo is relatively useless with its payload and seat blocking, its future could be the state bird of Florida