Conrad will only get -400's if they are a really good deal or he is requested to do so by Ned Walace. We have very few trips and/routes that the -400 will be of benefit. Depending on the plane, the Zero fuel weight will be the real determining factor. The -400 only carries about 25,000 lbs. more cargo, but the extra fuel weight gives it the longer range needed to go 12 hours with a full load.
Most of our trips are doable with a good -200. Most are under 8 hours, thus able for 2 folks instead of three if we had a -400. but, what about the next leg, is it over 8 hours? oops, we would need 3 guys, but only have 2 sittin here. Yea, you got it right, Mark Ryan is incapable of scheduling. It would fall apart in 1 week.
Anyway, as i sit here in Oscoda, one of our Inspectors told me that Connie is indeed looking at 4, -400 pax birds for a conversion. They would be needed if we got some regular long haul routes from southeast asia to most anywhere in the west. Remember, they would have to be cheap, cheap, cheap. How many -400's are sitting in the desert????? just waiting??
I think we'll see them, but not anytime soon. We all have opinions!
Oh, and trust me, no one wants to see that guy run around naked on the ramp, maybe after a few grogs, but it would still be ugly!
