I don’t think parking is as big deal as you seemed think. You do know that all the 400 gates didn’t always fit triples. Fedex will figure it out. It might not be cheap but they need a “real” replacement for the 11. If the A-350F fits that need then they will figure it out. If something better/different shows up then we will see that..

The bigger challenge is how they integrate Western Global after the purchase goes through….

That’s a good rumor. Where’s you hear that one? From a crew bus driver I suspect. :p

😜🤫🤪


……….

Ha! That same rumor is floating around Brown. Don’t know that we would take the pilots or not. That’s a lot of unnecessary drama from management’s perspective, but it’s not like we are consulted.

Man have you taken a close look at those airplanes?!

The flight they do out of Ontario on Sunday has a backup 767 sitting there with a crew ready to go to protect the freight from Ontario and LAX that Western flies to Memphis.

"We want our rumor back!"

- Gemini guys, from beyond the grave....

Ok, it just isn't parking spaces. It is also the ramp taxiways and airport taxiways. There are obstacles (lights etc.etc.) that would need moved. Also, can a 777F (about same size as A350F) taxi into Spots 5, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16? I know they can only deice on A, W, V, Y pads only which leads me to believe they can't taxi into any of the other ramps.

But why buy the A350F when you could buy a 777F and get efficiencies with aircrew already trained and familiar with Boeing products?

One reason would be diversification of your 'portfolio'. If something happens that grounds a fleet or causes some other significant fleet impairment, the impact is lessened when you don't run a single fleet type. Your point is valid and a good one but someone has to weigh the obvious efficiencies of having fewer fleet types with the risks of having a larger portion of your operation effected when something goes wrong with that single large fleet. In the business of moving expensive time sensitive freight, I'd be leaning towards a mixed fleet.

Pros and cons. SWA has been served well by lack of diversification. Standardized training, parts, etc. Of course they have that Achilles heel if something grounds their entire fleet.

It seems to be most things that come up are either on the newest model or a check that can be done on overnights with 90 days (typically) to get them performed.

It could be part of a larger deal for freighter A321 to replace the 757s. More aircraft in the acquisition, the better the deal. Of course all speculation…