Everyone talks like the deal on the MD90's is so close that it is getting signed. But, things have been holding there since July / August. My guess is that even if a deal was done now, it would take several months to get these airplanes in conformity for Delta operations.
Also, the airlines involved have recently announced deals with Boeing and nothing was mentioned about an airplane swap. If these Chinese airlines are waiting for their 737's to hit the property before releasing their MD90's, this could take years....
I hope that I'm wrong, but I anticipate the MD90's to be 4 to 6 months away, minimum. However, it still might be a good idea to get the pilots on the property and train at a smooth pace. In other news....
Quote:
Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) said Wednesday that it expects an operating margin of 6% to 8% for its third quarter ending Sept. 30.
Operating margin is the ratio of operating income to operating revenue.
The Atlanta-based airline company also said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it expects system capacity in the quarter to be up 2% to 3% from last year's third quarter. Delta also said that for the current quarter, its adoption of "fresh start" reporting is expected to increase consolidated revenue by $70 million and consolidated operating expenses by about $55 million.
Separately, Delta said it has exercised this month options for two additional Boeing 777-LR aircraft for delivery in 2009, bringing its total firm orders for Boeing 777 aircraft to eight, with three deliveries in 2008 and five in 2009.
So, there are other airplanes on the horizon
I'm guessing that means around 50, 777 slots in 2008 and around 65 to 70 in 2009. Keep 'em coming!