Originally Posted by
blueman2
While not defending UA, what these articles tend to miss is that UA has the youngest fleet in the industry, relative to its growth rates needs. .
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"Average" youngest fleet statistic doesn't actually mean much to the customer when one is flying an 18+ year old 747 (with non-upgraded interior, broken IFEs, broken seats) on a 14 hour long haul flight.
Sorta like saying in 2009, Rental Car Agency X has the youngest fleet ( a perfectly true fact ) and then you get a 1989 Cadillac in barely passable condition ( 10mpg, AM/FM 2 speaker radio and torn back seats ) handed to you as a luxury car rental. Oh yes.. it runs reliably.... but if your competion is renting out 2009 Cadillacs, Lexux or BMWs for the same price, or cheaper????
Those planes are potentially in the most profitable segments which are going to get the highest level of international competition in coming years.
With minimum delivery times for purchased aircraft of 6+ years for the 787, and 4 years or so for a 747-8... one needs to plan WAY ahead unless UA intends to lease 777's or 787's. And leasing makes little financial sense over the long haul, for this business.. unless one is just living day to day with no plan for the future and wants to boost apparent profitability for the moment ( by not investing in the future ).
Clearlly the decision to NOT order new planes for the future is due to the dedication of management to the business plan of "sell out/merge, and make lots of money for involved execs". The routes and gate access ( not planes or people ) are the selling features. But without a viable merger/buyout partner coming along REAL soon, UA will need to change their business plan to remain competitive without a merger/buyout option. But that's a whole 'nuther thread of thought.
<soapbox off>