Originally Posted by
readywhenyouare
I count 8 772's and 10 77L's and that = 18 777's total
Even so, 18 777's doesn't begin to replace 58 763ER's. The 77L would be serious overkill to replace a 763ER.
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...aft-fleet.html
You just don't use an aircraft with 8,000+ NM range to fly from JFK-DUB.
They obviously would not replace the all 767s, but I can see them ordering 25-30 77W/772
Its not just range, the 77W has increased capacity, although I agree JFK-DUB isn't a route for 77W (I thought that route was operated by a 757). In long term planning, Delta needs to add (profitable) capacity to generate revenue/profitability. the 77W is ideal for ATL/JFK/LAX-(CDG/AMS/HKG/NRT/Emerging China markets).
Since they already have 18 788s on order, it could be logical to add 789s, or A333 to bridge the gap. Airlines currently operating 788s have confirmed the cost savings and seem to love the economics (serious teething issues not withstanding). The question will probably be, can Boeing price the older 777s to convince DL to take 789s? Or will Delta stick with their idea of established programs forgoing fuel savings?