Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinpusher007
I would say it because Ryan Gumm did make a brief mention of it at the flt ops mgt meeting that I attended. And as has been mentioned, Delta seems to have an aversion to any aircraft over 300 seats. Also the A350-900ULR is not limited to 163 seats, thats simply how many SQ decided to put in theirs, consisting of only business and premium economy seats but it is certainly capable of carrying more pax. Apparently our 3 longest range routes LAX-SYD, ATL-JNB and JFK-BOM (all of which are shorter than LAX/EWR-SIN) require the performance of the 777-200LR. If we are to eventually replace the 777s with an aircraft of similar size, the A359ULR would seem a plausible choice.
I don't think you are getting it. The ULR only makes sense if you need more gas. Our 350s (even Ship 13 with the increased MTOGW) cannot fill the tanks they already have.. To buy the ULR variant is a waste of $$ because instead of 30-40k in unused fuel capacity, now you have 50-60k in unused capacity. It is a gross weight issue, not a fuel issue. Until Airbus engineering beefs up the MTOGW (maybe they can or maybe Ships 13-15 are at the max for their design), the ULR does Delta no good because its MTOGW is the same as ships 13-15. Further, it has its fwd cargo door deactivated to help it get that extra range. If you "de-activate" the door, it is just another -900 with a little more fuel capacity.