Originally Posted by ND Sol
I am not sure that this is always the case. For example, CO flies both the 767-200 and the 757-300. Both carry approximately the same number of passengers, but the cost to operate is higher for the 762. The reason for flying it: much larger cargo capacity (and longer range). So if CO is not able to fill that underbelly, times could become difficult. Also noted that the CO specials for this weekend are the most that I ever recall out of Houston. Appears that loads are down. Think it has anything to do with the new regime?
A possible reason for CO to fly the 762 as opposed to the 753 is based on positioning and maximizing the passenger load factor.
In some cases an airline will fly a wide body as opposed to a narrow body as the next leg of the journey is international, for example IAH-EWR operates flt 0152 a 767 at 1205 every day except Thursday and Sunday, they also run flt 0050 at 1330 everyday except Saturday.
So it is possible for the 767 to move from EWR to LHR or other international point.
A passenger air carrier does not run an aircraft based on cargo loads. It has to do with positioning and demand. For example DL and NW will run widebodies to PHX during winter months as demand increases.
To the latter regarding IAH CO flight demand, who knows, could be kids are going back to school so vacations are starting to taper off.