Originally Posted by
ChamplinAl
It appears that N1200K is the next 76E on its way to CAN for its PS upgrades. My calculations mean DL will have 21 frames converted, and only 14 remaining without PS (not including the "L" versioned interior frames). I'm a bit surprised that there are still a few GE engined (the newer frames) that are still awaiting the conversion and PW frames (older) are going ahead of the remaining GE guys. Delta's tech experts have the data to prioritize the order much better than I. Maybe some of the remaining 14 will never have the PS conversion. Has Delta made a decision on Boeing's B737-max10 ordering over awaiting on Boeing's B797 aircraft? Another possible option might be picking up some A330-800neos or used A330-200's (which seams doubtful), as there are very few 332 frames stored with PW engines (which is what Delta has currently). The 332's have quite a bit more range than 76E's do but are very close to the same number of seats. I'm a bit surprised that Airbus isn't attempting to be a bit more visible on selling their A330-800neos as a fine replacement aircraft for the B767-300ER's and possibly even the B767-400ER's - which aren't quite as old as the 76E's are but will be needing to be replaced fairly soon also.
Boeing has been teasing airlines with the 757/767 replacement MOM/NMA for years. It's not coming and Boeing doesn't want to spend money to develop it. A lot of that business has already moved to A332/338s or A321LRs, the two aircraft that are available that most closely fit the range and pax quantities. Delta's 737MAX10s will join the A321s they already ordered in replacing the 757s but there just isn't a true replacement for them that exists, especially not the ex-NW 300s. I would expect the 763s and 764s to soldier on until the MX costs are unbearable, to be replaced by whatever A/C Delta can get cheaply, probably used A330s or A350s from failing airlines.