Then I ask one question Carl. Why did NWA convert the 744's from long term leases to short term leases. There is a reason for that, and better short term rates are not the answer.

Oh darn. If ACL says it's not because of cheaper short term rates, then it must be true. :D

Just got word that the MD-88's are getting fitted with drop tanks and will be used to replace the 747-400. Still working on how not to clobber the fishing boats with drop tanks.

Carl

the original plan was for the 787 to replace the 400s and the 400s to replace the 200s. but there would be more 787s in the long run.

And as we have argued to death. The 787's are way late. The 742's are DOA, and the 744's will have to bridge the gap, but will be gone in the next few years.
The 88 are being fitted with Wi-Fi. That will keep them profitable for the remainder of the fleet plan.

Short term rates are higher. Long term rates offer better interest rates, but high penalties for early outs. In essence if keeping an airplane until another one arrives the short term lease is cheaper than the long term one for that very reason.

Well, I say nwa has 3 aircraft under fence as does dal and in roughly equal numbers: nwa-1)747-400 2)747-200 3) 787 future deliveries (approx. 28 a/c on property, 18 on firm order=46 total. dal-1) 777 2)767-400 3) 777LR future deliveries (31 a/c on property, 8-12 on firm order)=39 to 43 total. I say keep it that way, otherwise you'll end up with nwa fenced off from 121 widebodies at the combined company. (777,767-400,767-300, future 777LR)

Wi-Fi will make the 88's profitable? :confused: Come on ACL that was weak ;) How about the DC9s are paid for and with oil going down that only makes the dc9s more viable and are great aircraft for filling the much needed gap in the DAL network while also helping to replace 50 seat feed.

Weak but it shows a commitment to the fleet Super.

The 9's can be replaced by RJ's. CSAM is cheaper as has been pointed out on the large RJ's

The 9s are also approaching their manufacturer's life time cycle limits. Airplanes have a finite lifespan. The 9s will reach their end before any other aircraft in our combined fleet (except maybe the -200 whales). What in your scope prevented half your 9 fleet from disappearing with no mainline replacement? What in your scope clause prevented NW from replacing that flying with Newco aka Compass? Dude there are alot of RJs out there and those routes are taylor made for RJs. I hate it, you hate it, we all hate it but that doesn't change the facts. Those airplanes are gone by 2012, maybe sooner if you listen to your soon to be former CEO Dougie boy.

I'll wager a twelve pack of your favorite malted barley beverage, super. By the end of 2012, no more DC 9. Hope I'm wrong.

Please quote your source on this, from what I've been told we can fly the 9's well into the next decade (per the DC-9 fleet training captain).