Will look for the link but Qantas has been selling 767s to AtSG for conversion to freighters and recently announced mass retirement of the 767 fleet over the next 8 yrs, so i guess there is a pretty large supply out there up for grabs.

That's for the pax. 767-300ER. The freighter only goes 3225 nm with a normal density full load of freight and slightly less than that for the 767-300BCF based on an ER. They would be great replacements for either/both the MD-10's and the A300-600.

But FedEx isn't comparing the 767 to the 300. The debate is the 767 vs. 330

Correct, that's where the *debate* is. Is the extra performance of the 330 worth buying a more expensive, modern airbus (gross), that won't have a common type with the 757?

However, FedEx is comparing the 767 and the 330 to what they currently do, and to what they *could* do, and when it comes to that, the 767 is a no brainer. It can replace the 10 and the 300 with almost no adjustment, and have commonality with the 757. If they were to buy the 767 and retire the 727 like they plan to, you *could* probably see the 757 move up to WB rates too, or a separate 757/767 pay scale above the current NB rate.

Obviously, you don't work for FedEx.

FedEx Seeks Common Type Rating For B-777F - B-787F

UPS – September 9, 2011 10:15 am EDT

FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX – News) has initiated talks with Boeing (NYSE: BA – News) in a proposal with the FAA to generate a ‘common’ type rating between the new B-777F and a proposed B-787F. FedEx Express intends to operate both aircraft as freighters in [their] overnight express freight business.

FedEx is the largest operator of the Boeing 777 freighter. With the recent delivery of the first B-787 to Japan carrier ANA, FedEx Express (NYSE: FDX) is looking for a wide body long term replacement for it’s aging DC/MD-10 and Airbus A-300 fleets. With the conversion of their DC-10 aircraft to MD-10’s, FedEx was able to rapidly expand their wide body fleet and efficiently use the same crew members trained on the much more complex MD-11, an aircraft that weighs nearly 200,000 lbs (90,500 kg) more than the much lighter MD-10-10 aircraft.

The B-787F would provide significant savings in both economic and time efficiencies because of fuselage size and cargo [can] loading transferability, which the B-767 does not offer. A common type rating between the B-777F and B-787F, would allow crews to be utilized in both aircraft. Cockpit design engineering is to be provided by Mattel Corp (NYSE: MTL) and Testers (NYSE: TST) with both aircraft being delivered with virtually the same cockpit. Insignificant differences would be in weight, and some minor flight characteristics easily negated by the ‘state-of-the-art’ fly-by-wire system(s), and a little plastic and glue. These same types of differences were considered and ultimately approved by the FAA with the MD-10 certification and common [MD-11] type rating. Commonality of training and type rating certificates will enhance training efficiency and allow FedEx Express to use typical international crews in the domestic environment during periods of system stress, such as holidays.

An announcement is expected no earlier than September 2011, but more likely in concurrence with the FAA’s new flight time/duty time regulations that has recently been postponed indefinitely.

Too funny ... This Mattel?

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nakazawa likes to recycle his jokes...

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/975202-post17.html

The commonality issue would hinge on if we can get big B to put our one off flight deck into the 76. There is also a AMJ or M container issue.

I wouldn't expect to see the A300s go anywhere too soon. We bought some new in the early/mid 1990s and got the last ones built. Two engines and it seems to fit the routes on Mid/Large Cities. Maybe the A310s would go.

As much as I love the Douglas tri-jet, I think the MD-11 Fleet would be the next to go.