UCAL Looking At New Aircraft?

[Ex737Driver]

Possible or just wishfull thinking?

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/united-continental-eyes-new-jets-analysts-2011-01-14?siteid=yhoof



United Continental Eyes New Jets: Analysts


NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — While Delta Air Lines may be just the first major U.S. airline to spring for a new fleet of single-aisle jets, United Continental Holdings might not be far behind.

Key motivators for both airlines and, indeed, the entire industry are the stubborn rise in jet fuel prices and easier access to financing.

The recently-merged carrier has a fleet of grounded Boeing 737 jets that are on average 20 years old and lack the kind of fuel efficiency needed to weather oil prices if they were to again top $100 a barrel. It also flies aging Airbus A320 and A319 jets.

Michel Merluzeau, managing partner at consultancy G2 Solutions, foresees a United Continental order of about 100 aircraft.

“They are shopping around because they think they can get a very good deal,” Merluzeau said, in an interview. “Boeing has been very aggressively pricing the 737 and there are significant opportunities at this time.”

United Continental declined to comment.

Over the summer, lessors stole the limelight at the Farnborough International Airshow, ordering a whopping $8.52 billion worth of commercial aircraft. That gave the sector a needed confidence boost and likely helped relax financing after a couple of very tight years.

 

[NavinRJohnson]

How old are the A319 and A320s at UA? I thought they're almost as cost effective as CAL's 73 NG fleet.

Big question is would this be a replacement order or adding to our total numbers.

What we really need are those 78's.... Now.

Navin

 

[skywdriver]

They are probably looking at whether they want to buy C-series or EMB 190's to be flown by CAL pilots.

 

[skywdriver]

I have said it numerous times, 5-6 years from now, the regional industry will look totaly different. Mainline carriers will be flying the majority of the "regional" jets with their own pilots, most of the 50's will be parked, some 70's still flown by the regionals, and probably a lot more turboprops for a true regional feed. Those making the decision to stay at the regionals as a career might want to think very very hard about doing so, once the retirements pick back up the opportunities will be out there for moving on for all those who desire to.

 

[ualdriver]

Something to plug the hole between the 70 seat RJ and our small narrow bodies perhaps...

 

[Yuppyguppy]

90-110 seaters is my guess...who knows. I want a contract and we fly the RJ's or it's a strike period!

 

[Twotter Driver]

90-110 seaters is my guess...who knows. I want a contract and we fly the RJ's or it's a strike period!

100% spot on!

 

[Mr.B]

90-110 seaters is my guess...who knows. I want a contract and we fly the RJ's or it's a strike period!

Fargin A!

 

[mamba20]

I have about 1000 other reasons to strike, but thats a the top of the list. Hell at this point I'll strike just to strike.

 

[densoo]

at this point I'll strike just to strike.

No kidding.

 

[St. Nic]

I have said it numerous times, 5-6 years from now, the regional industry will look totaly different. Mainline carriers will be flying the majority of the "regional" jets with their own pilots, most of the 50's will be parked, some 70's still flown by the regionals, and probably a lot more turboprops for a true regional feed. Those making the decision to stay at the regionals as a career might want to think very very hard about doing so, once the retirements pick back up the opportunities will be out there for moving on for all those who desire to.

You are assuming those career regional pilots actually have a choice about where they spend their careers- some are there not by choice. Just sayin

 

[RJLoser]

You are assuming those career regional pilots actually have a choice about where they spend their careers- some are there not by choice. Just sayin[/

?

 

[skywdriver]

You are assuming those career regional pilots actually have a choice about where they spend their careers- some are there not by choice. Just sayin

I was only referring to those who choose to stay at the regionals. There will be jobs out there for those who want to move on. I understand that if you are 55 and top of the list at a regional, there isn't much choice. However, those folks had a choice at one time, and they decided not to take the risk. I see no logic supporting anything but shrinking of regional airlines over the next 10 years. That of course assumes that CAL/UAL don't let a substandard contract through.

 

[DontFeedTheBear]

You are assuming those career regional pilots actually have a choice about where they spend their careers- some are there not by choice. Just sayin

Like no degree?

 

[jtf]

I wish you all the luck in the world for the ability to strike. I do believe there are enough pilots who are or soon will be fed up enough to walk the picket lines, but I have very strong doubts that the government would allow such a big airline to be released. It was great to see Spirit stand up for themselves, but honestly they were small enough that the government could take the pressure to allow it. I doubt even a nonmerged CA or UA would be allowed to strike. Unfortunately I don't see how the pilot unions will ever have enough leverage to force anything remotely near what they deserve ever again. The only way I can see reasonable raising of the bar is if there is ever truly another pilot shortage that forces management to raise the bar just to fill the seats. Short of that I don't see more than token raises that probably won't even cover the inflation over the life of the current contracts. Good luck.

 

[eaglesview]

You can cause just as much heartache on the property as walking around in circles outside of it.