Originally Posted by
Dawgfan6291
2020 will be just about the end of the road for the 767-323ER fleet, which the 787-832s will replace perfectly.
Originally Posted by
Robert Leach
Delta is not chomping at the bit for the 787 right now and that Delta is not choosing to be aggressive in challenging Boeing over the late delivery.
Originally Posted by
BER Flyer
We were told during the TechOps presentations on friday that "Delta will leave it to other Airlines to find out how good ( or bad ) the 787 really is".
I think all this means is, DL holds a chit for 18 Boeing aircraft of whatever type, deliverable in ten or twelve years' time. In the meantime a next-gen 777 or even the A350 may emerge as more useful than the 787. DL's options stay open. If a global depression persists through the decade, DL's longhaul needs will change anyway.
In the meantime it wouldn't be unreasonable to think a lack of faith in Boeing's 787 promises is taking hold, at DL and other airlines. It's years late, overweight and mechanically troubled. I think it's smart to stand back and let competitors see if it's another MD-11 in the making. Maybe it will end up a classic, but at this point it looks like a debacle.