Originally Posted by
Jeff767
One of the issues is the A330-900 can barely get out of its own way in SLC on a hot day. The promised fixes from Airbus for the bleed and other engine issues are years late.
A330 pilot based was planned for SLC but put on hold as Delta looks at other options involving the A350.
I know Boeing fans love to talk about this, but something has been done. The temps in SLC have reached high-90s (or hotter) several times this summer already, and both the A339 departures (CDG and AMS) take off around 3-4pm, exactly at the peak temperature. I've been watching them, and there have been no delays, no diversions, no substitutions. I also happen to have been flying on a couple of those extreme-temperature departures. These flights were nearly full, and I purposely boarded late to see if the gate agents were seeking volunteers or denying boarding or off-loading bags, and none of that happened. Obviously DL might have reduced cargo, I have no way of knowing.
In previous years, these would be guaranteed fuel stop diversions. I don't know what exactly has changed. But it no longer seems to be much of a concern