Originally Posted by
scracer14
Prior costs to refurbish are "sunk costs" they are gone and paid for. If in present conditions, they can increase margins by using alternate aircraft, prior costs are completely irrelevant.
I would say the decision probably is significantly influenced by the 2 engine wide body aircraft being more efficient than the 4 engines on the 744.
^
Delta is also reducing the need for trunk route flying, specifically in the US-NRT market as they draw down NRT interport flying in favor of US-Asia non-stops. The 747 is an excellent aircraft for moving a lot of people a long distance. I see Delta shifting their flying towards smaller markets with non-stop service from the US. For where they need more lift the 777 is a good balance between size and range.