What’s the over under on an order announcement during the Sept 21 earnings call?

There are plenty of rumors going around the crew force. I’m speculating there’s been a signed MOU for the A350F to get a say in its design.

 

I’m betting the company sticks with Boeing.

At this point it’s wild speculation. Only the puzzle palace holds all the pieces.

 

They will request a toilet in the cockpit to be common with the 76. “One Airline…thrust set”

 

^^^^^^

this!

 

I don’t see why they would buy A350s unless they’re trying to get more ramp space at CDG. If they buy 777F, 777XFs or used 777-300ERFs you get essentially the same cargo capability with flight/maintenance training and parts commonality synergies with our existing system.

IMO I think we could use a bigger freighter at FDX … 747-8Fs before A350s. We have several routes where multiple 777s and MD-11s fly to every day. I wonder if freight consolidation and flying less flights with a 747-8F would work financially?

Also, this would free up ramp space and make spots available for new markets. Memphis is maxed out for any new available parking spot unless the modernization of the hub creates more spots or they decide to buy more land.

 

FS has said in the past that he would never buy a freighter again with more than 2 engines. I also don’t see why we would go the A350 route and agree with your premises listed above. IMHO, the same arguments apply to a 747 variant.

I have heard that, yes, ramp space is a problem (more of a challenge) but it’s not a limfac in aircraft purchasing.

The substantiated rumor that’s been often repeated is more city pairs. LAX-CDG, MIA-CDG, OAK-SYD (already been flown by standards), etc… So, IMHO, Fred will buy more 777F’s off the Everett line rather than a new airplane.

IIRC, aircraft purchases have been stand-alone-type PA events too and not necessarily announced during an EC.

I’ll read the transcript of the EC later, we shall see!

 

It’s been reported online that FS met with Airbus in June for a sales pitch, but who knows if anything came of that. All I know is that just a month later in July the Airbus board approved the A350F program launch.

I’ve said before that a 777-300ERF or XF order makes more sense than the A350F for type commonality. We could use the 777F for the MD-11 routes and the larger 777’s on routes we need more lift on. Lots of rumors going around lately saying an order is imminent. I’ll be listening tonight to see if anything is announced.

 

Boeing is no longer actively selling the B747-8F and they have announced the last B747 will be delivered to Atlas in 2022.

That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t accept an offer if FS walked in with a pile of cash, but I’d be shocked if that happened.

 

I've heard that too, but he did announce once that he was buying A380Fs (faked out the union and the average line pilot). And his airline does contract a lot of 747s to move freight. LOL Ramp space is an issue if they decide to replace the MD-11 with a bigger wingspan airplane (A350, 777 etc. etc.).

Over a year ago I was introduced to someone as a friend of a friend ... uncomfortable to find out on the spot that he is senior executive management on the maintenance side (thanks friend for not giving me the heads up first). I didn't think much of it however we have randomly run into each other since then -- often times at bars. When the A350F was all in the news, I asked him about it. His answer was, "EVERY airplane manufacturer gives FedEx sales pitches. It happens frequently. However, we're not getting the A350F." He did mention how they had looked at the A321s ... but gave no definitive answer about it.

The problem with replacing the MD-11 with 777F is that the MD-11 is more economical for flights less than 4 hours (guess due to highway basic weight for the 777) and the wingspan issue. Domestically it might not make sense but be our only viable option.

 

Unless another plane in the 757 size range is announced in the next decade the only foreseeable option is the A321. Who the h**l knows though how we will replace the MD. Replacing it with 2 smaller planes creates ramp space problems just like using the A350F or 777F. Let’s buy/lease all the property in MEM and IND.