Originally Posted by
FlyerChrisK
UA would rather have the plane flying than sitting on the ground somewhere between international turns.
Why then does UA leave a 747 unused for just over 12 hours at LAX?
(The aeroplane from Sydney arrives at LAX ~10.00 next departs after 22.00)
Over a decade ago UAL did actually fly a turn LAX-DEN-LAX with a 747-400 - it seems an achievable turn regarding sufficient time and traffic between two hubs.
I have read Qantas are now nursing their remaining 747-400 aeroplanes (in particular the six ER versions) so as to keep the total number of cycles on them relatively low hopefully extending their life expectancy over time.