sbm12

And they do not today, suggesting that operating them as such (or at all) is not profitable. They didn't have equipment with a 2-cabin config so it was not possible to offer that service. Now that option does exist, meaning there is a possibility that they will offer it that way. The company has been pretty clear that they expect to offer some destinations as 3-cabin service and some as 2-cabin, depending on what the market will bear. Makes quite a bit of sense that way, actually.

Indeed, though said contracts weren't enough to make it work last time those routes were offered. If there is only enough business via contracts to support 1-2 seats daily then it becomes quite hard to justify outfitting the aircraft and running the fleet that way, especially if they see more C sales or Y sales + upgrades in the demand forecast.

ibrandsguest

It resulted in a net creation of jobs and was much better than the current administration's attempts to shut down the new plant and kill all of those new jobs despite the current 9.1% unemployment rate. If politics is going to come into this, then I'll fly a 787 only if was built in South Carolina.

And to answer UA's claims that people will fly UA for a 787- I have flown UA just for its 777 and will do so for a 787 as well.

SFOtoORD

The flip side of all your arguments could be true too. Perhaps a smaller, more fuel efficient 3 class 787 could work better than the previously flown 777s and 747s. PMUA has never had the 767 in APAC.

cerealmarketer

So crazy galley misinfo of the day....

A flight attendant on my PEK-EWR claimed she just went through 787 briefing and was told it is 3 class -18 F, 18 J.

She also forgot to return everyones jackets at the end of the flight...

I didn't bother to challenge her memory.

5khours

Any guesses on which routes the 787s will fly?

SFOtoORD

IAH-AKL is supposed to be the first. I think Lagos was the other one, but it is being started with a 772. I'd expect to see a few more IAH flights before this plane hits the other hubs. I really do think this could be a great plane for Asia. Might help UA do better on routes like SEA-NRT or to add new n/s capacity to Asia.

sbm12

eponymous_coward

I'm on record as saying that I'd bet UA will start SFO-SIN with a 787.

wco81

If new planes, specifically 787s, help draw customers, what is the strategy for where to deploy?

On routes where the airline has the best competitive position or the worst one?

Or do they use it on routes where they could use the cost-savings to enhance the bottom line?

Or would they even try to start a price war in certain markets?

sxf24

Initially, the 787 will be used on routes that were not economical to fly with other equipment, like IAH-AKL. Then at some point, they'll start replacing 767s.

sbm12

This is generally not a profitable move unless it is being done to put a competitor out of business.

SeaRaptor

We only know of two "certainties", but there's been a lot of speculation.

I personally expect to see more directs out of IAH to Asia (PEK or PVG or ICN, perhaps), but something like that is probably still a few years away.

jriley

Not that I am an expert but heard from a pilot in the exit row that initial breifings and trainings on the 787 show that it does not have range for AKL or Lagos. Pilot did not know where it would be flying but told me they knew where it wouldn't be

Michael D

Are there any new petitions for flights to China?

sxf24

The pilot is incorrect.