Originally Posted by
DA201
But they are still only receiving 14 77Ws and losing 20 747s. The 77Ws also seem to be headed for routes flown currently by 772s along with 747s (see EWR-TLV). So, the math doesn't add up.
What I am surprised about is UA acquiring used 77Ws instead of purchasing new ones. Boeing is giving such massive discounts right now.
For reliability, United has been running a relatively cushy 747 schedule for some time, and routinely has multiple airplanes out of service at any given time for maintenance or as operational spares. 77W, as new examples of mature technology in a well-developed, longtime program at UAL, should be able to operate the entire 747 network at equivalent or better reliability with several fewer frames.
That's one part of the equation. The other is reallocation of capacity enabled by 787-9 deliveries and displaced 777 flying.