Originally Posted by
cova
]CO considers every seat as critical to revenue - so a 77W with lots of seats - uses the same flight crew, landing slot, etc. just some more fuel and a couple of extra FA. The larger engines from the 772 maybe affects maintenance commonality.
I'd think the fleet commonality is actually a big issue for CO, and the 77W would add another craft type.
But, I'd also argue that the 77W does what you suggest--it has the same 777 type ratings as the 772, similar crew/product (and minimal extra training), and a bit of other commonalities.