I did notice the memo says the word "mainline" at least 10 times. Seems encouraging?

Airbus recently announced the new 320 with a GTF, and I think that got us a lot closer to a NB order then many think. DAL can't wait much longer. Our fleet is getting old, and fast.

Very interesting.

Airbus would offer, I'm assuming, the A321, A320 and A319. The problem is that the neo (new engine option/offer) isn't supposed to be available until 2016, which is a little outside the 2013 date. That's the efficiency they would want to buy. Cheaper to buy used A320s.

Boeing could offer the 737-900 as a 757 replacement (large narrowbody), and I guess the 737-800 as a medium narrowbody, and the 737-700 as the small narrowbody. Again, not very efficient, older technology.

I am discounting Embraer as they only have the EMB-170 to EMB-195 series, which aren't big enough on the top end. They might offer the EMB-195 as a DC9-50 replacement. I think that would get kinda political whether Delta would want to fly that here.

Bombardier only has the C-Series at the top end, which could be on offer, as it enters service in 2013. But, the largest one holds 120-145 seats - likely they would use a two-class configuration which would be closer to the bottom end of seating. Same thing with the politics of flying the plane here vs a regional.

I don't think the Russian (Sukhoi Superjet 100) or Chinese (ARJ-100) airplanes have a chance. Little support and I wouldn't want to buy any manufacturers first airliners.

yes, but it seems like it's directly aimed at the pilot group. We're almost the only people in the biz who can distinguish between mainline and regional aircraft.

Not *scheduled* to enter service until 2016. And we know how they are with schedules...

I have never heard of a geared turbofan before, and I was an aero major! Pretty cool technology.

Pratt & Whitney Pure Power Geared Turbofan Engine | Popular Science

In case anyone hasn't used the RESX website through DAL to book discounted rental cars and hotels, I highly recommend it. You go through DeltaNet, Employee Perks, Deals & Discounts, Travel Packages & Services, and scroll down to "RESX". Set up your login, and you get free access to a high quality travel booking system which includes a lot of employee discounts (LAX Marriott booked for $59/night without calling the front desk).

You're talking about planes, right? :)

Our fleet is getting old at the same rate as when we bought it. That rate matches the rate that every other airline's fleet is aging.

I commuted recently on a SWA 737-300 packed to the gills with a single class of service. Somehow that jet hung in the air and somehow that company continues to make money.

I like shiny new stuff as much as the next person, but this memo smacks of bait and switch. The cheese has been sufficiently moved: Rubber on the ramp and I'll believe it! Pay me first.

While on said 733, did you notice any altars where small fuzzy baby animals are commonly sacrificed?