When will we see a wide-body order placed?

[sfb]

If US is awarded the China route, US must already have an order placed so that the route can begin in late 2008. When do you guys think that an order will be made? At the same time the narrow-bodies will be placed?

For what it's worth, the route actually has to start in March, 2008; one of the DOT selection criteria is whether or not the applicant will be ready to operate the route when the new carrier designation and slots become available on 3/25/08.

It's not clear to me that leasing in the AC A340-500's will do the job in time if they only free up some time this summer, since US would have to induct them into the fleet (and they are a new type, even if there are limited differences for crew qualification from the A330-300), operate proving runs, and show some level of experience in operating flights of that length.

During the most recent PHX Crew News Broadcast on theHub.com, Doug Parker indicated the company is talking to both Boeing and Airbus about a new aircraft order for about 100 aircraft for B757 and B737 replacements.

The thing is, neither Airbus nor Boeing produces a plane that's a true replacement for the 757. Both the A321 and the 737-900ER are slightly smaller and neither has the range or performance of the 757. Both are probably fine for replacing the 757 on high-density short-haul and trans-con (with perhaps a slight edge for the 739ER with a bit longer legs to avoid fuel stops), but for PHX/LAS-Hawaii and PHL-Europe, the 757 is the only game in town unless you move up to the A330, B767, or B787.

 

[BuffaloJoe]

Boeing really goofed on pulling the plug on the 757 so fast. I wonder how many orders would there be if they were still in production. Could Boeing possibly start the line back up easily?

 

[A330US]

I hope the widebody that does come to US will be either 777 or A340-500/600. True -500 might be more airplane for us, but it could be the plane that turns US's international power more known. I haver personally been on the -500 and its is a great plane, very quiet, and powerful. I hope we end up with the -500. Only major international airlines have the -500, so this could be a great start for US and also could make US change their international product a bit.

 

[ringmaruf]

I hope the widebody that does come to US will be either 777 or A340-500/600. True -500 might be more airplane for us, but it could be the plane that turns US's international power more known. I haver personally been on the -500 and its is a great plane, very quiet, and powerful. I hope we end up with the -500. Only major international airlines have the -500, so this could be a great start for US and also could make US change their international product a bit.

Oh, they've already been changing their international product quite a bit. Just not in the direction you'd hope to see. 😉

 

[Travelpro72]

Yeah we'll have B.O.B. to Asia along with 31" seat pitch. I sure hope they get rid of the A/C interior if this turned out to be true. That green has GOT to go.

 

[ClueByFour]

I actually saw on another website, that we may get 2 A340-500s in June from Air Canada when their first 777s come in.

I also understand that Northwest was rumored to be getting Boeing Santa's Sleigh on airliners.net.

Boeing really goofed on pulling the plug on the 757 so fast. I wonder how many orders would there be if they were still in production. Could Boeing possibly start the line back up easily?

Absent high and hot markets and really thin routes from the East Coast to Europe, what do you see as the market for a "new" 757?