Looking at the profile page I noticed that all the 67s to be delivered plus the 77s to be delivered plus options basically replace the 10/11 fleet. That still leaves 67 A300s that they are going to retire. But what will replace the A300s?

 

Look at the August 31st chart I posted. As of that date, the only airplanes to be disposed are the MD-10, 12. So gross new airplanes 52 minus the 12 disposals, looks like a net gain of 40, as of 8/31, that goes to 2025. They may decide to dispose airplanes earlier, they may not.

 

That’s a good question. No one really knows yet.

 

How about the upcoming A350 to replace MDs and the 76 replacing the bus as they retire them out?

 

Net gain of 40 WB airplanes in next 3.5 years per the 10q and fleet update. Thats what we know. Another order is rumored also. Maybe a new type maybe not. A bunch of 76/777 options also. 70 total I think. FedEx has made it clear on last 2 earnings calls they are looking to engulf market share domestic and international. They are on a rampage to corner more of the market while times are good and they have taken actions that prove it.

 

You are getting closer. It’s a net gain of 42 per the chart you reference. “Look at the chart, it shows the planned retirement and deliveries. Then a net gain number. Simple.”

 

Yup, that makes sense 42. Well 42 is better than 40 of course. He’s now adding the rumor to the equation, options perhaps- when executed of course. Always nice to have options can’t beat that!

 

I like the way you think but while the A300 might not have all the bells and whistles it is the undefeated jumpseat Champion of the fleet. The last one was delivered in 2007 so the planes aren’t that old compared to the MD’s. There’s currently no announced plan for replacing them.

The 757’s on the other hand are high time former passenger planes that have lots of hours on them. It’s possible those are replaced before the Airbus, but no one really knows. FedEx could decide to follow UPS and do the A300 cockpit upgrade and keep those around for another 15 years, when the youngest would be 29 years old, however an aerodynamic and engineering design that’s about 67 years old.

The only thing I know is that FedEx is slow to make fleet changes, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a new type announced soon, because I don’t think any of our aircraft orders meet the new emissions requirements that go into effect in 2028.

 

I don't mean to kill rumors, who knows what will happen? But I have a friend who is senior executive management on the maintenance. He told me, "every airplane manufacturer has pitched to FedEx and continues to but we (maintenance) haven't heard anything about new airplanes". Maybe he can't tell the truth so as to not get caught with inside trading? IDK

If I were to guess, we will see a 757 replacement before the MD-11 and Airbus. Many of those 757s have nearly 100,000 hours and 40,000 cycles!!