Originally Posted by
mnbp
Just to clarify....
The normal NRT-ATL-NRT rotation has the aircraft in ATL for approx 22 hours each day. Normally, "today's" NRT-ATL arrival (scheduled arrival 3 pm) operates "tomorrow's" ATL-NRT (scheduled departure 1:45 pm).
For the past few days, the same aircraft has been operating NRT-ATL-NRT, so today's NRT-ATL also operates today's ATL-NRT, with two or three hours ground time minimum to turn the aircraft.
Correct. N661US flew NRT-ATL 5 days ago and was supposed to be the overnighting aircraft, and has since been stuck in ATL. It was slated to rejoin the rotation for 2-3 of those 5 days, but ultimately didn't. NRT-ATL is supposed to depart at around 2pm, but without the overnighting aircraft, DL delays the flight until NRT-ATL lands at around 3pm, then turns it around.
I have no idea what is taking 5 days, but the fact that DL has not brought in an aircraft (even a 767 or a 777 or a 333, since 747's are lacking), makes me think this is a day-to-day decision, as they are working and working but so far unable to solve the problem.