Originally Posted by
PsiFighter37
Given all the 763s are going to be retired likely within 10 years, I feel like UA would rather retrain all those pilots to be on the 787 / A350 vs. maintaining a small subfleet for new-build 767s, which could theoretically be in the fleet for another 20+ years.
Well, I suppose that's my point. Let's say there's 10 years of life left in the existing 763's.
They can pick up another dozen or two for dirt dirt cheap since Boeing has the line open for the KC-46s and 763Fs anyway. And there's now open slots due to the FedEx cancellation.
Let's say they get a dozen years out of those new frames before selling them off to freight. (That's right about what the lifespan was of the CO 767-200ERs.)
Coincides pretty closely with the retirement of the current fleet, and given the right price, could be cost effective. And provides lift now as needed - maybe even backfill at least some of the MAX10 lift. Seating capacities are similar with the 30J configuration. (MAX10/A321neo/76Q all somewhat similar.) Would actually make a fantastic "premium service" fleet - those used to be 28J on the sUA 757-200's... and we know United is outright selling more premium seats than ever before.
Just a thought - squeeze Boeing hard over the MAX10 debacle, print a dozen new 763's that can be had quickly due to the FedEx cancelled orders and maybe you end up with a decent business case.
Or, maybe I'm off my rocker and just enjoy the 763 so much I want to see it stick around a while.