Qantas reports the empty weight of the 787-8 is now more than 102 tonnes compared to specification of 94.5 tonnes. The good news that the GEnx they chose is only off the SFC target by "only" 3% compared to 4+% off for the R-R, which needs to redesign the first stage compressor which may cause it to be removed as a flight test engine.

The combination of higher fuel consumption and higher empty weight means 787-8 performance for the production units originally envisaged for Qantas will under-perform a 767-300ER. The report discloses significant redesigns for later -8s and the -9 are in work, placing those delivery schedules in jeopardy

This is why you won't see the -8 here at DAL in any meaningful number. The ERs with the winglets and associated increased efficiency combined with the fact that many of them are nearly paid for mean that the need to spend $160 million is negated because you won't see that ROI. The -8 compared to the ER is still slightly more efficient, but when you factor in the acquisition costs, this savings is lost. That's why the ERs will stick around until the -9 program is up and running. Then when they have resolved these issues you will see the ERs replaced. That's still another 5-7 years at least however. In the meantime, more LRs and maybe some 330s will be had.

I'll bet we never see any 787-8s operated at Delta. Certainly not until they fix the problems, which won't happen until way past the current line numbers NW has for delivery.

Rumor has it we may see some more 764s showing up at Delta.

The other rumor is 10 more A330's

I've heard that also. Rumor is BA wants to keep the 767-400 production line open while it rebids the Air Force tanker contract.

I think we may well see some more 330s at Delta.

Man you guys spread my rumors quite quickly. Now since we are talking about the 764. There is one on the floor that needs a home. Nothing of consequence after that. With the tanker rebid, they need at least seven to 10 more frames to keep the line going.
The 330 are also up to bat. Airbus has some slots they want to sell cheap. 10 slots to be precise. We may get both or none, but it is fun to speculate.

The 767-400 line has been shut down for a long time. The tanker is based on the 767-200. Only two airlines ordered the 400. CAL and DAL. There are no other 400 airframes out there so I don't think we will see more. They are still building 300ERs and have orders to keep the line open for at least 4 years.

I think you're wrong about this. Even though only DAL and CAL ordered the model, a search of Boeing's website still shows the -400 line to be open. The only 767 not being produced is the straight -200. Even the -200ER is still available. You are correct in that they are still building the -300ER as its still an attractive airplane to many companies around the world. Combined with winglets will make this even a more attractive airplane.

I would be a little surprised to see more -400s on the property. If we opted for that capacity I'm not sure they wouldn't go ahead and order more 777s or even a few more 330s.

The competition will be completely reopened possibly with different requirements by the Air Force. We also are still showing 12 options on 767-400s.