Originally Posted by Threy
Considering that CO intends to deploy the 787 on its EWR-Hong Kong, Delhi and Beijing routes first, a high density ( 9 abreast ) configuration is a must assuming that the competition will fly bigger aircraft into those markets as well pushing the average fares down.
The question however remains, if CO is flying as an independant carrier when the 787 comes online and if CO is still focussing on niche markets at that point.
SOURCE???????
Everything we heard at the Houston DO indicated that the most likely initial routes would be out of Houston, with Europe (at that time) more likely to get the first flights. The problem with the Asia flights is that they take 2 aircraft to operate with the aircraft sitting many hours there ( 20 hours in HKG) doing nothing.
I would be willing to bet a beer that CO will go for the 3-3-3 configuration. As Larry said, you cannot make money if you do not have the seats to sell. With oil ~$70/bbl, I don;t think they will even think twice about this.