Delta 747's Out of Atlanta
Fleet simplification was a major goal over the last five years. Fleet complexity was also cited as a reason for rejecting the merger with LCC. However, in the merger with NWA, fleet diversity is considered a big advantage to match the aircraft to the mission. Can you explain the shift in strategy? Thanks!
Ed Bastian
There were many reasons USAir was rejected. Fleet was only one of many. The merger with Northwest will fill many fleet gaps in our network. For example, we need a 100 seat airplane for mainline as the smallest mainline aircraft today is 150 seats. Both the DC-9's and the A319's will fit this need nicely. In addition, ATL needs larger gauge international wide-body equipment. Northwest has 747's that will work well in this regard. Once the 787 is delivered, Northwest will have the youngest international wide-body fleet in the U.S., which coupled with our 777LR's will allow for considerable international expansion. Fleet complexity is a reality in this industry but is not a reason to avoid this deal.
Ed - You guys made several promises to us regarding any possible merger - the blended company would be called Delta, run by Delta people, in Atlanta, etc. and we all really appreciate that y'all kept your word and made that happen. But there is one other important aspect that I have not seen addressed. Delta serves Coca-Cola and NW serves Pepsi. So, which will it be? (And please, don't make this poor Southern girl have to drink a Pepsi on a Delta aircraft.)
Ed
It's Coke. And, that's coming from an ex-Pepsi guy. I am a convert.
Fleet simplification was a major goal over the last five years. Fleet complexity was also cited as a reason for rejecting the merger with LCC. However, in the merger with NWA, fleet diversity is considered a big advantage to match the aircraft to the mission. Can you explain the shift in strategy? Thanks!
Ed Bastian
There were many reasons USAir was rejected. Fleet was only one of many. The merger with Northwest will fill many fleet gaps in our network. For example, we need a 100 seat airplane for mainline as the smallest mainline aircraft today is 150 seats. Both the DC-9's and the A319's will fit this need nicely. In addition, ATL needs larger gauge international wide-body equipment. Northwest has 747's that will work well in this regard. Once the 787 is delivered, Northwest will have the youngest international wide-body fleet in the U.S., which coupled with our 777LR's will allow for considerable international expansion. Fleet complexity is a reality in this industry but is not a reason to avoid this deal.
Ed - You guys made several promises to us regarding any possible merger - the blended company would be called Delta, run by Delta people, in Atlanta, etc. and we all really appreciate that y'all kept your word and made that happen. But there is one other important aspect that I have not seen addressed. Delta serves Coca-Cola and NW serves Pepsi. So, which will it be? (And please, don't make this poor Southern girl have to drink a Pepsi on a Delta aircraft.)
Ed
It's Coke. And, that's coming from an ex-Pepsi guy. I am a convert.
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