Originally Posted by Jimmykool

I think this is great news. United doesn't control the economy and with so much uncertainty under trump - slowing growth to free up more money is a very wise move. I want just as much to read into all this but that's a mistake.
As for 50 seaters staying longer; I believe a lot of their retirements coincide with lease experations so I wouldn't expect to see that happen.

Originally Posted by 82spukram

The only thing I can think of is if, and as always it's a big if, they want cheap used airplanes that allow them to maximize scope is the E190.

When DAL bought the C-series they backed out of the used Air Canada 190. So there are 20 of these for cheap. Jetblue has some orders coming up they (at least when I worked there in 13) said they would like to sell the new ones or sell the old ones as they get the new ones....I believe it~25. And finally Americain said they are not keeping the 190....20 more. That's 65 used cheap airframes that gets them ~40 more e175. Plus you already have a team of contractors for maintenance (all the E175 operators) while we get our program up. Sims that can be used and probably one of them has a program that we could buy to get training up and running quickly.

Or they are going to buy a few used 737 and 320 aircraft every year to fill the need.

I don't think this is a bad idea but it was nice looking at mainline growth. Now it's back to guessing what they are planning.

Originally Posted by b52dthdlr

you are only partially correct.... this company, like others, have had plans in the works for a while that DEPENDED on the election outcome.... this plan is the trump plan (different from the hillary plan) because donald has promised to tear up ALL trade deals (that includes china and our open skies agreements)..... i applaud our company leadership for retrenching and being prepared for what might become a real financial disaster for our airline.... note our "new" economy fare plan announced today to make us "competitive" with domestic low cost carriers.... delta did this a while back and we just decided to announce this today? i dont believe in coincidences.....

Originally Posted by b52dthdlr

i agree... if the company is as concerned as i think they are they sit on the cash or they retire high interest outstanding debt... we will see

Originally Posted by Coronado

Converting the 737-700 to Max 7's would represent an upgauging since I think the latest iteration of the Max 7 will actually now be a shrunk Max 8, seating about 12 extra seats compared to the 700.

But I do think that US airlines are looking at a slowdown in the travel market for at least a few months or even years as foreign visitors, both tourists and university students, digest the changes in the US political system. If the new administration imposes tariffs on China I can see part of their retaliation taking the form of a curtailment on releasing foreign exchange to support the large number of their students in US universities. I think at last count there are over 1MM foreign students at US universities of which 60% come from just 4 countries: China, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. If things are perceived as being less safe for a ''foreign'' looking or sounding person in the USA, I would expect a reduction in the number of the ones studying in the USA. I can see airlines wanting to be a bit cautious about growth plans.

Originally Posted by SpecialTracking

If they are concerned about near term cap ex, let's see where the money flows.