So, since Phizer has all the data to submit for FDA approval, that after the FDA approves it, that people waiting for an approved vaccune will get the vaccine.

(Written on 04/04/2021)(Permalink)

Hit post too soon. The Houston flight was a 767, none in a premium economy configuration. But the real problem is that if they are to keep flying to Hawaii nonstop, they will be diverting planes from profitable freight flights to Hawaii with no increase in cargo capacity to Hawaii. It could also put United in the market for some used 777 with other engine types, even if it means moving the passenger compartment from one 777 to another, and a repaint.

(Written on 26/02/2021)(Permalink)

I looked at last Monday's Hawaii flights. The non-stop to Maui was changed to a 757-200. The Chicago nonstops didn't exist at all. From Denver, SFO, and Houston, the nonstops remaining were all in a Polaris 777 configuration, and

(Written on 26/02/2021)(Permalink)

The first (2) above is relevant, as if the engine failure rate increases above a threshold, the ETOPS rating drops as well. The engine reliability in Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) combined with Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), gives a probability of a second failure before fixing the first failure. But, this calculation depends on the failures not being correlated. If these engines don't get mixed between planes, fatigue failures are likely to be correlated, since fatigue is age and stress related. This can make a dual-engine failure more likely, and potentially could cause the engine type/plane type to be retired. I would be more likely to decline a P&W powered 777 than a 737 MAX. I think they have fixed the latter, while the former world melt the fan-blades down and cast new blades.

(Written on 26/02/2021)(Permalink)

The last flight I flew on a 727 suffered from 2 compressor stalls when attempting to take off in a cross wind. Finally, they used a straight-on takeoff, and no compressor stall.

(Written on 19/08/2020)(Permalink)

That was a misleading headline which did not match the article. United uses 737-700 because their contract with the pilots union only allows 255 larger regional jets (over 50 seats) with first class cabins. This pushes them to use 737-700 for the bigger destinations, and the retooled CRJ with 50 seats, but more first class and onboard luggage in the place of the original 70 seats. In no way was this a replacement for the 737M9. United does not use the Max 8.

(Written on 28/07/2019)(Permalink)

The headline of that article was not justified by the facts. A small 737-700 is in no way a replacement for the MAX 9 United uses. United has been using the -7 as an alternative for destinations where regional jets are too small, but larger 737s are too big. The MAX 9 are for larger passenger loads and longer routes sometimes served by 757. If United had been trying to buy -800 or -900, maybe there would have been some truth, but that's not what they are doing. If this is bad news for anyone, it's for the regional jet operators, as they will be losing flights and probably pilots. The MAX 9 delays are likely to be keeping 757s in use in transcontinental routes, and keeping them from being retired or repurposed for shorter translantic routes.

(Written on 19/07/2019)(Permalink)

Hitting several centers, not just LGA: https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/faa-halts-flights-to-laguardia-due-to-staffing-issues

(Written on 25/01/2019)(Permalink)

This also allows employees who can pay for first when flight times exceed limits to do so. This increases revenue by decreasing free upgrades. This happens more on 5 hours flights that are usually 4.5 hours.

(Written on 31/08/2018)(Permalink)

I wonder if this new seating contributed to the decision to retire the 747 early. No need to design this seating for the slightly wider 747, just the 767, 777, 787, and A350. But, sounds like it might be a while before it hits the 787-800s. Storage space is a plus, while the folks in the back could keep a laptop under the seat in front of them, only first had any storage during takeoff and landing. It does look like they will get fewer seats, as when the seat is on the left, the aisle space is not used other than to avoid stranding passengers. This will result in fewer "free" upgrades by platinum and 1K being available and potentially higher revenue.

(Written on 04/06/2016)(Permalink)