Originally Posted by
Lights_a_blur
There hasn't been any confirmation of PO on the 77L. My speculation remains that they will try to stretch the 77L airframes out to their next D check, then sell them off if the 789 is already in the fleet. Hopefully we see two daily directs to Aus with 789s, as I can't stand doing the LAX or SYD shuffle to get to MEL.
Despite its impressive range and economics, the 77L/77F program certainly seems optimized to the freighter role, based solely on the number delivered in each configuration.
I would say that is extremely unlikely. The market for used 77Ls isn't strong with so few operators, and a conversion program to 77F isn't offered and wouldn't be developed for 6 aircraft.
Besides, the 77L is more efficient than the 772ER on many of AC's routes - I believe the 77L becomes more efficient than the 77E around the 5000mi mark with the same payload.
The 77L can carry far more payload than the 77E since it has the 77Ws wings and engines on a smaller frame. That is why freight operators have the 77F - not to operate 16 hour flights, but to carry more weight over shorter distances.
Maintenance is so similar for the 77L and 77W the subfleet doesn't cost AC much to keep. Same flight crew type rating too. I think the 77L will be in AC's fleet for a LONG time.
YVR-MEL is 235nm further than LAX-MEL. United's 789 seats 252 and AC's will probably seat around 40 more. That would mean a block time of over 16 hours... really really pushing it for a dense 789.