Originally posted by Bear96:
PremEx2000,
Change of gauge is purely done for marketing reasons, to be able to market more direct flights.
Ozstamps,
Actually UA1/2 used to have a change of gauge in DEL. For a while, the LHR-DEL segment was a 767-300, and the DEL-HKG segment was a 747-400. But the reborn RTW service is supposed to be a 747-400 all the way (at least at first).
Although change of gauge is sometimes for marketing, sometimes instead it is required by a foreign country in exchange for rights to fly there. Indeed, in the example you cite, India gave UA landing rights only under the condition that something smaller than a 747 be used, and pasting this 767 leg inside of the RTW 747 leg, with attendant crew basing issues, is one of the reasons UA gave up on the service the first time.
[This message has been edited by Starman (edited 11-28-2000).]