Originally Posted by
Eastbay1K
I don't disagree on the generalities. I disagree in AS keeping a fleet of only 10 A321s as its only Airbus fleet. This will not be cost effective however you measure it.
I assume they're not planning to massively downsize as the VX ceos come off lease. Currently the AS Boeing fleet is scheduled to expand by a net of 37 aircraft, which isn't nearly to enough to offset a retirement of 63 VX ceos. So they either need to order more MAXs or take delivery of the current outstanding order of 38 VX neos.
Originally Posted by
dayone
An alternative to "leverage" is a most favored nation clause, which I suspect AS (and WN) have in some form.
How would the airline enforce that? Order contract terms are almost always confidential, so AS/WN have no way to verify that they are getting the best price other than via Boeing's own assurances (in which case I have a couple bridges to sell them).