The leased ships are new, not used WOW birds.

They Were under contract from the lessor for WOW. With WOW’s demise the lessor was seeking a new lease holder quickly. Having them parked after completion would have been very expensive. As I mentioned I suspect we got a great deal. Very low demand for the A330-900.

The Ultrafan is 6ins larger diameter than the 7000, it will be a tight fit for sure.

Just lower the X wind limit by 1 kt and if anyone drags a pod just say rogue pilot error. Easy peasy.

From TG on the deliveries, as of Sep 2019

“The A330-900NEO is up and running. Due to delivery delays Delta scheduled the 330NEO to begin service July 15, 2019 instead of July 1.

As we were getting ready for the 15th it was determined that the jet would be ready before that date. Delta decided to enter service on July 10th. Our team (including many other Delta divisional teams) leapt into action to make the rollout a success.

Our 1st 330NEO entered service on the 10th and the second on the 11th. Another outstanding job by the Flight Ops team and all the other divisions that rose to the occasion and did so flawlessly. Two more 330NEO’s are slated for delivery this year.

2020 will be another busy year as we have been informed that Delta will take delivery of 7 A330-900 next year up from the 4 originally planned. 2021 delivery schedule is planned for 11 aircraft increased from 9.
The total order book for the -900 has increased to 37 from 35 through 2024.”