FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Airbus A319/20/21N Reconfiguration/Retirements Tracking Thread
Old Jun 25, 2019, 8:56 am
  #561  
jsguyrus
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SEA
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Posts: 2,030
Originally Posted by ASA_1


while it might be disappointing to us Avgeeks, I suspect it likely has to do with posturing for the negotiations with Boeing and Airbus for their future fleet plans. Why accelerate/ even finish the cabin mods if you know you’ll be announcing a large 737 MAX order that will start to replace the airbus fleet in the next few years. The cabin mods aren’t cheap, and my thinking is until 100% solidify their fleet plans, they are taking there time. I think the slow retrofit pace could be indicative of AS returning to a mostly 737 fleet in the nearish future. Especially at the likely low price Boeing would be willing to sell them under the current environment. I wouldn’t be too surprised if we see a large Alaska order for the MAX before years end, coupled with an announcement that the a319s and some a320s will have their return date accelerated and that they won’t be refurbished after all. Don’t be surprised if we never see a refurbished A319 if that is the case. (Purely speculation)
I have heard the same rumor over on the pilot forums. Expect a large 737 Max order shortly after the Max's are back in the air. My guess is all the Airbus goes away with the possible exception of the A321NEO's. that said we are talking several years in the future and I would hope we will not be subjected to old worn out VX interiors until then..
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