Some thoughts on configuration:
I can't see UA putting F on these - they're doing everything they can to become a two cabin carrier. I assume they'll stick with the decade-old lie-flat BusinessFirst product, although the recent BF research invites point to a new product coming eventually. Y cabin will be 3-4-3 17" slimlines for sure. I'd guess 32" in E- and 35" in E+ like the 787s.
Zone 1 (doors 1-2): 3 rows of J, maybe 4 rows depending on galley config.
Zone 2 (doors 2-3): Remaining 6-7 rows of J plus 3-5 rows of Y depending on galley config. Not sure if it would be E+, might be too pinched and force a little E- cabin.
Zone 3 (doors 3-4): 10 rows of E+, 3 rows of E-.
Zone 4 (doors 4-5): 13-14 rows of E- depending on lav config.
54-60 J, 100-150 E+, and 156-216 E- for a total of ~370 seats.
Originally Posted by
CALMSP
heck no. these birds would be prime for UA or any major airline. Your operating costs are similar to the 772. Just like you have the 752/753.
Good point, this is a stretch, not the baby of the family, so the economics may not be so grim. But they're going to get these a couple years before the 10+% better 777X arrives, which could leave them in a real pinch if the price oil spikes again.