Originally Posted by
jsloan
I mean, I guess it depends upon from where. ORD-HNL is 3700nm; IAH-HNL is 3400nm. EWR-HNL and IAD-HNL are both between 4000 and 4700nm, though, so I suppose that could be in their plans, assuming the 4700nm range is actualized and that the Hawaiian flight plan allows it (not a lot of diversion airports past the California coast).
But, do they want to downgauge those routes? I thought one of the reasons they were creating a new 772HD subfleet with additional range was to handle east coast to Hawaii. I suppose the A321XLR might be able to take off for OGG-EWR or OGG-IAD?
The extra range gives them fleet flexibility. They may not have specific plans beyond 752 replacement, but like the idea it could potentially go farther.