Originally Posted by ramp9 (Post 3997071)

Who’s the mystery buyer of the 35 777F? This article suggests the exemption is tied to the sudden loss of the MD-11.

“This creates a multi-year “freighter gap” just as MD-11Fs exit service and before the 777-8F is available in meaningful numbers. Boeing has warned regulators that without an extension for the current 777F, airlines could face a shortage of large, long-range freighters capable of replacing MD-11 capacity on dense intercontinental routes.

For operators like UPS and FedEx, the timing is critical. Both companies had already signalled plans to phase out MD-11Fs in favour of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft. However, the sudden grounding of a large portion of the global MD-11 fleet compresses those timelines, increasing near-term reliance on existing 767Fs, 777Fs, and leased capacity. While passenger-to-freighter conversions continue to play a role, there is no converted type that fully matches the payload-range economics of the MD-11 on long-haul sectors.”

Originally Posted by UPSFO4LIFE (Post 3997083)

Someone mentioned on B&G there is a manager 777 meeting today. Take it for what it’s worth. Been hearing 777 rumors for 15 years now

Originally Posted by MD11Simnerd (Post 3997088)

I would take years, years to get one on the property if they announced (they would never do that and certainly were not planning 2 weeks in advance) it today.

Originally Posted by wareagle11 (Post 3995998)

I can’t be the only one that’s heard this rumor that it will be announced the MD is going away at the quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday. Anyone else hear that?

Originally Posted by BoilerUP (Post 3997094)

I'm normally a glass half full type and respect the heck out of the guy who posted that as he isn't known to BS...but feel such a meeting is more likely to be for how to fix Kalitta's converted 773 if it breaks in SDF while being wet leased than (potential) new airframes.

Originally Posted by JustUnderPar (Post 3997122)

Dude.....where are you plugged in?

Originally Posted by JoeBlo (Post 3997126)

UPS will just buy Atlas, and use their 747 and 777s

You heard it here first

Originally Posted by METO Guido (Post 3996807)

Right. So putting things in perspective..

UPS is a vertically/horizontally integrated transport juggernaut with an airline. FedEx, an airline contracting subs under an iconic brand, logo. If either the Standiford barons or Graceland gentry still seriously intend to operate the long orphaned, 3 motor Christine of freighters, that could conceivably move forward. Why they might tacitly budget or stretch such a project, industry can only guess. Strange business and as you say, forever unpredictable.