The US 767 will likely never make it Westbound. One hold over the NE corridor, or a long PHL takeoff queue and a PHX stop is ensured. The US A330-300 would likely do no better. If they seriously want to compete with the EWR CO flight, it has to be with the 332. Unfortunately, that would require sacrificing a European high yielding PHL 332 O&D route (LHR, TLV) or the CDG route from PHL or CLT. IMO, US cannot afford another smack for really poor route planning - ala CLT-HNL. US has always had the opportunity to upgrade its existing 767-200s to a higher MTOW by paying $ to Boeing. I undestand they looked at the option a few years ago and for whatever reason ($$), didn't do it. The 330s unfortunately cannot be upgraded to more hours (range) unless they replace the engines. Really, I don't understand how they can continue to produce acceptable profit margins with a no growth plan for the next 3 years. IMO, the move out of the 332 deliveries to 2013 has a merger/acquisition plan behind it. I wouldn't even be surprised if the no growth international route actions at PHL and the buildup at CLT is being done for the same reason. I know some will say the CLT buildup is no different than DL had at CVG or CO at CLE as connection releivers for their primary internatonal hubs, but I suspect there is a different near term strategic plan at US.
