Originally Posted by
MAH4546
AA needs 763s to replace the lost 772 capacity going to Beijing in March.
Exactly. This is one of those instances where UA running the domestic-configuration really helps out, as they have a just a crapton of cargo capacity and can fill it to the gills ala Japanese domestic runs. I suspect that AA was able to command a slight premium in the F cabin due to the superior seats, but still lost out in cargo and CASM/RASM. Also don't forget that HNL is almost 10% further from ORD than LHR, and that's a long way for a premium aircraft to be flying a domestic run. The 763 can be used to serve an international route that is getting downgauged because of PEK service.
Also don't forget that AS has increased capacity in the islands recently, so this should help out with seats to the islands. This isn't as ideal as AA metal, but its still better than having to fly a non-AA partner