Originally Posted by Robert Leach
I realize the financial constraints that Delta faces are real, but my only question is why not go ahead and make the changeover on the 777 fleet NOW. There are only 8 aircraft in the fleet, it's off peak travel season now, and once the newest longhaul destinations being announced this Thursday get fully operational, there simply won't be time available to take a 777 out of service to do the changeover.
I'm sure DL would like to see an expedited conversion (i.e., the 777s skip the current BE upgrade and go directly to the flat-beds) as well but I wonder how much the creditors may have had something to say about stretching those capital expenditures out. Don't forget that DL still has to complete the domestic long-haul overhaul (fitting PTVs on the 757/738/763) which costs, IIRC, around US$1 million per aircraft, throughout 2007, complete refurbishment of the 763 international fleet, conversion of some 764ERs to BE, etc.