Originally Posted by
EWR764
Yes that is my point. The current-generation A350 does not make sense at United unless it is planning to retire the 77W in that timeframe (which it is not). That mission, a 77W replacement for early adopters, is how a number of airlines are deploying their A350-900s and -1000s, and is probably its best application, as the 787-9/10 variants beat competing A350s in unit cost over most missions. United didn't start taking 77Ws until many were over a decade in service and those frames clearly are not in need of replacement.
Meanwhile, UA has significant economies of scale with the 777 and 787 fleets. That's why I think the current-generation A350 is a non-starter at United. A re-engined Ultrafan 350neo could be an excellent 777 successor toward the top of the capacity/range curve and I suppose United looks at that order as a good hedge if it proves to be a better solution than what Boeing can offer by the second half of the decade.
On this we agree. The 350 order was placed by Tilton at or near the BK filing to replace the 747400 where they needed the capacity and range on the trunk routes . With the dehubbing of nrt and tatl jvs there is less need for the trunk route 744 capacity per plane imo save lhr perhaps. Plus the end of line 773s were acquired very cheap.