The Dallas Morning News Aviation Blog has THIS story about Delta possibly deferring or cancelling its (inherited from Northwest) 787 orders for 18 aircraft (and 50 additional options.)  And this kind of makes sense to me. 

Northwest probably did need those 787 aircraft for its trans-pacific routes.  Its 747 fleet was adequate for some routes but others just couldn’t stand a 747 and Northwest doesn’t have any 777 aircraft.  The combined fleet of Delta and Northwest is a different matter, however. 

If anything, I think Delta might have one long haul aircraft type too many.  That said, they have 767 (Delta) and A330 (Northwest) aircraft for medium haul routes and configured so that each is nearly ideal for passenger density.  They have the 777 (Delta) and the 747 (Northwest) for long haul, high density routes as well.  Frankly, I think Delta might be better off adding the 777-300 to its fleet and retiring the 747 but that isn’t their plan.  They are refurbishing the 747 aircraft and extending leases on them.  Clearly Delta sees a profitable use for them at this time. 

The 787 isn’t going to be a trans-Atlantic aircraft.  Certainly not on the first routes for any airline.  A new(ish) build 767-300 or A330-300 can do those routes just as economically.  The 787 is better suited to routes like NYC to Tokyo or LA to Sydney or Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro or even the US to India.  Delta has the right sized aircraft for those routes.  

Delta can probably sell those orders profitably at this point.  There are a number of airlines who don’t have new(ish) 767s or A330s and there are several more who need to downsize from a 747 or 777 on long haul routes.  Airlines such as Continental and AA come to mind.  

Mind you, the enthusiast in me wishes all US airlines flew the latest and great aircraft.  The practical side of me says we’ll probably only see Continental take up its orders on schedule and even AA will likely take its time adding the 787.

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