Delta to Retire the 777 Fleet
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2020
- Delta Air Lines announced the retirement of their Boeing 777 fleet by the end of 2020. This news is tough to hear.
In this video, we'll discuss the news, talk about the 777 and what made it special for Delta, and I'll share some of my Delta 777 memories.
Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian, said, “Retiring a fleet as iconic as the 777 is not an easy decision - I know it has a direct impact on many of you who fly, crew, and service these jets. The 777 has played an important role with Delta since 1999, allowing us to open new long-haul markets and grow our international network as we transformed into a global airline.”
The Boeing 777 program was launched in 1990 with a first order from United Airlines. The first 777 entered service with them in June of 1995.
It was the first airplane to be completely designed by computer. And, because of the reliability and efficiency of its twin engine design, it would deliver a serious blow to four engine long-haul aircraft like the 747 and A340, accelerating their decline.
Delta’s 777 fleet consists of 18 airplanes. Eight are ER variants and ten are LR variants. The ER’s have a range of 7,065 nautical miles. While the LRs can travel 8,555 nautical miles.
Some of my most cherished aviation memories were forged onboard Delta’s 18 Boeing 777’s.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this news from Delta. Barely three months ago, the airline completed a refurbishment of the cabins on these aircraft. A project that cost upwards of $100 million for the fleet. Proof positive that nothing is off the table as the airline attempts to ensure its survival.
This announcement from Delta about its fleet of 777's leaves us with many unanswered questions. Questions I’d love to see you answer in the comments section below:
Yes, the A330s and A350s can replace much of what the 777s did, but will they effectively replace everything they did?
Will all routes once served by the 777 come back? Will Delta return to India, South Africa, and Australia?
These aren’t old airframes, where will they go next? Will they become freighters?
What aircraft types will other airlines retire?
And, perhaps the biggest question of all…What does the future hold for Delta Air Lines and the aviation industry in general?
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I'm not sure when - or even whether - Delta will have an official "retirement flight" for the 777. But if they do, and it's safe to travel, they can count me in!
Why the triple 7 it’s efficient
Fuel efficient
I believe not as physical distancing will undoubtedly still be enforced and many people in a small area in the terminal like that isn’t safe
Great! I’d love for you to be on the final flight!
Delta flies the 777-200, which is smaller and lees efficient than the -300. It’s also replaceable by the A350, which is better for the airline. As Delta sees a sharp decline in ultra long haul over the next 2-3 years, and takes deliveries of the 350, it expects to not need the 777s anymore.
That’s sad news, especially because of the refurbishments they just completed in these aircraft. So excited for the video Jeb!
Especially for 77Ls! They’re way too young to retire!
Shareholders should be asking for Bastians head to roll over this. His lack of financial savvy, and creativity, especially after sinking hundreds of millions into the refurb, shows his lack of leadership ability!
Refurbishing cost is a fraction of the cost of just one new aircraft so it is not a biggie.
Preston’s Aviation no
Keep in mind that DL loses a whopping $50M a day so writing off the $100M investment in the 777 retrofit program is a drop in the bucket. They are too thirsty and need to go.
What I don’t understand is why they don’t replace them with 787s instead of A350s. My guess is that they’re beyond unhappy with Boeing after the 737 Max scandal.
This is heartbreaking to hear, I moved from Los Angeles to Australia on delta's 777, and that will be a forever cherished memory. It's so sad to see the iconic 6 wheel undercarriages of delta's 777's slowly dissipate.
And to add on top of the fact they are retiring them, Delta literally just spent millions of dollars retrofitting their whole 777 fleet.
This is EXACTLY how I felt when the L-1011 was retired. It was my favorite aircraft!
Mine too!!! Loved it!!
IT was the best at that time my home town Airline had 4 TRISTAR 500 [ BWIA ]
I really miss the DC-10 as well.
Tune L-1011 is also my favorite!
I flew a lot as a toddler and the only memorable experiences I had were the L1011s and the spiral staircase on 747 classics. I still have not been a jet with remotely as smooth of a ride as the Tristar. The exclusive Direct Lift Control turned it into a magic carpet ride!
The sound of the engines spooling up is as much iconic as the airplane itself. For those that have never been on one, next time you see a 737 fuselage just imagine an engine that size getting ready to launch. It's amazing.
Sad to see them go. I will always have fond memories of Delta's 777-200's as I flew on them NRT to ATL and vice-versa. They are the only 777s i've ever flown on.
Your airline videos are far and above the most informative I have watched. Thank you for the time it takes to publish them.
My dad delivered one of those Boeing 777-200s. It's sad to hear that this iconic aircraft is being retired.
I remember my 1st time on a 777 operated by Emirates. I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with it and never looked back. Long live the 777.
The decision was really simple I'm sure (still sad). The demand will not come back fast enough to those routes to justify flying them with a larger aircraft. These 777 are older and therefore more expensive to fly compared to the A350 and the A330 NEO coming off the line right now. Delta wasn't buying anymore 777 (at least in the near future), so getting rid of a fleet saves the most money. Delta can fly to SYD, JNB, or BOM with a A350 with reduced capacity to make the flight IF they want to reopen those routes. And the $100 Mil for the refurb, is a sunk cost. Can't get it back and can't let it influence a current decision. As my mom says, "Can't cry over spill't milk!" Great video tribute Jeb (as always)!
Very compelling analysis. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@GreenerGrass Also thanks for replying mid-stream about Dennis. I understand his focus these days. But from a fan (and all of them I'm sure) wish him and his family safety and health in these times. (same for you Jeb)!!
wannabe DAL-ADX time stamp?
It’s unlikely Delta would be able to fill every seat on an entire a350 anyway on these routes post Covid, so the aircraft switch is probably a decent short term solution.
This was a big shock. I’ve followed the 777 since I was 12 back in 1996, even saw the prototype at Boeing Field in July 1996 when I was in Seattle on a trip. I only flew probably a couple of times on a 777 in my life and it was exciting.
Hope to see the 777 still continue at the other airlines for years to come.
When I was a kid, the family took a vacation to Seattle and one of the places we went was Boeing. When there we got to see a 777 being tested.
DL was the first airline that took me across the pacific SYD - LAX in Business Class and it was my first time on a B777. Its a very sad day for DL however I am looking forward to flying on their A350 in the future.
Not surprising: Delta has decided to go 100% Airbus and not Boeing. Last flight of 757 Delta is soon approaching as it services the Carribean/Central America routes mostly. As soon as they get their a321NEO's will probably be the last flight of a Boeing aircraft by Delta. With the exception of the 767-400 which are an utterly unique aircraft, but is possible to be filled by a330.
@@w8stral DL has not decided to go 100% Airbus.
@@davep9266 still ... The only boeing they using is b717
could have gone for 777x instead
So sad. I thought this was Delta's nicest ride.
James Hannah I think it is the a350, my second favorite plane.
Agreed. I have not been on the A350 yet, I imagine it’s a great ride as well.
My friend and mentor the late Leo Angevine was the captain on the first commercial 777 flight from IAD to LHR in 1995. I have very fond memories of this airplane from working at United. My own Air New Zealand is retiring their -200s for new -300ERs.
The 777 is my favorite aircraft in the Delta fleet, and this news came out of the blue. It’s so sad to see the 777 retired from any airline. Especially from Delta. They just retrofitted the fleet too
Oh man I'm going to miss this beautiful airplane,I've had many flights on one sorry to see her go!
Hey Jeb, I thought of you right away when I heard this news, especially the iconic Atlanta/Johannesburg route. Such a great aircraft, and it will be missed by many. But I'm sure new aircraft will continue to lead the way!
All of this sad news about the airlines reductions makes me want to cry.
First B-747s, then A-380s, and now no more 777s with GE90s 😫😭.
747s are still flying pax and emirates has a huge fleet of 380s
The 777 is not going anywhere anytime soon.
@@davidharris2519 : Emirates wont be flying them for long :)
@@davidharris2519 sadly, Emirates is about to ground 40% of them potentially permanently in favor of the A350 and 787
@@brandonbattle4874 what about all of there 777-300s and the 777s they have on order
this is heart breaking. So many amazing memories on the 777
I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for watching!
Mark Corfield a350 is garbage, that’s why the 777x is going to blow it out of the water bud
@extra doublemint The only rubbish here is your hatred of Airbus and your rose-coloured glasses about the 777-X. Boy, it’s better you say nothing ínstead of speaking and show yourself like a ignorant fanatic.
@@extradoublemint4969 I have flown BA A350 PHL -LHR. Best plane I have ever flown
@Mark Corfield Noise isn't that much of a problem, in fact some people enjoy the iconic GE90 buzzsaw.
While understandable, we all know this retirement would’ve been 15-20 years off had C-19 not reared its ugly head. This is incredibly sad news.
Sorry but Delta had these planned for retirement in late 2020 a long time ago. All COVID has done is bring that date forward by 6 months.
@@1chish Then why did do the 100 million dollar cabin refurbishment last year ??
@@1chish End of December would still be late 2020....
@@TheGecko213 Because that was then and this is now. The aviation world has changed dramatically. As far as I am aware the 777s were being replaced from the end of this year as new A330-900neo and A350-900 were delivered. One for one. This new move means they will just retire stored 777s now, fly them to wherever and save a fortune in maintenance and storage costs as they own them. The $100 Mn refurbishment is a sunk cost. Its gone.
Another factor is Delta agreed to lease two new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft set for delivery in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021. It had already agreed with Airbus to accelerate three planned A330-900neo deliveries, with two arriving in Q4 2020 and another in Q1 2021. As a result, Delta expects to take delivery of seven total A330-900neo aircraft in 2020 and two in Q1 2021.
@@cokecansandwinglets5783 Indeed but I believe 'Plan A' was to start replacing from the end of 2020 on a one for one basis with new A330s and A350s through 2021 etc. 'Plan B' is they are now just retiring them out of forced storage. Why keep paying storage for aircraft you will never use again?
You always do a great work Jeb! So sad to hear about it and this is really heartbreaking.
I non reved around the globe 2008-2017. thanks for memories. wonderful crews fab service. God bless you all
This is a billion dollar decision!
Which makes me think that Delta believes oil cost will go pretty high in the future. Otherwise, if they could, wouldn't they cancel or delay their order for new A350s and keep the 777s instead?
Green Doggie Nope. The 777s are useless sitting on the ground as they are. Why pay for the support system for them? Bastian evaluated their route system and even when they start to fly again, all their routes except one (ATL-JNB) can be served by the A350-900. The 18 777s were just becoming redundant. This way DL will continue taking their deliveries of the 350s and 330neos on time, have flexibility of routes (when to launch what) and be more fuel economical too. Remember, their 777s were all 200s, not 300s and were all 9-abreast in economy, so their capacity wasn’t so great (291 seats) versus the A350 with 306 seats.
@@afcgeo882 Plus the fact Delta never got a big 777 fleet like American and United did, thanks to the ready availability of the 747-400 when Delta merged with Northwest in 2008. I expect Delta's 777-200LR's to be sold for freighter conversions.
Sacto1654 That’s right! Northwest’s 747s and A330s killed any real need for the 777. Delta doesn’t rely on cargo as much as UA and AA. Delta’s partnerships and long-standing JVs assure that they have plenty of capacity even for cargo.
@@afcgeo882 Great analysis. First thing that came to mind when I read your post was, "If times were normal, maybe Bastian thought Delta could reduce the 772s as 350 orders are getting delivered? But then why retro fit them? Maybe the airline recovery is going to be very slow, so reducing routes and fleet number is going to be a prudent idea?"
But damn...What a loss a money retrofitting them.
Either way, with Delta's track record, I think it's a good idea to assume that they made the right decision, and then find the reasons for their decision.
I remembering doing a flight on the Delta 777 from Atlanta to Johannesburg back in Autumn/Fall of 2017. Truly a memorable experience that so many of us will miss.
Thank you. I have loved the 777-200s and 300s. Have been with United Airlines for many years and this is who I love the 777s.
Such a sad news! I flew from LAX to Syd on that same Aircraft in January. :( It was my first an only time i've flown on a 777. I was in Delta Confort+ and the service was Awesome!!!!!
Thanks for sharing the news & views :) I just looked at their fleet composition, Given 777 were the smallest (18 planes) it can drive massive value in terms of training & certifying, spare parts etc
I remember watching the pbs documentary on the building of the 777 with my dad when I was a kid.
I love your channel keep up all the hard work you do .
This is really sad news to hear. My family is from Southern Africa and we had to fly down to Joburg on a 777 every time. I am going to miss that so much!
Hi Jeb... I shed a few tears on this video... I remember when Delta invited all of us over to the jet base to take a look. I remember being overwhelmed at the size of those engines. You're such a cool person, and I hope we can all come out of this in time. Very sad...
Damn, I hope the 76’ doesn’t go with it. Love the vids Jeb! Stay safe buddy
Thanks Jeb for entertaining me during this time!
I'm so sad. It's been a dream of mine to fly on a 777 and we had an international trip planned for this May that would have fulfilled that dream. Of course it was canceled. Not sure I'll ever get to fly one now. But, I do understand the decision. Ed Bastian is doing anything and everything he can to keep the lights on at Delta and I have mad respect for him for making the tough calls.
I remember driving to Dulles Airport and seeing this plane with a massive wingspan on approach to 19L. It was my first view of a 777. It was magnificent. What an amazing aircraft! So sad Delta is retiring the 777.
What a Great Plane. I will miss them. Great video Jeb!
A friend/mentor of mine retired on the 777 for delta on the Johannesburg flight. He absolutely loved the 777. Told me some crazy stories of flying to Johannesburg on the 777 (he had to shut down an engine one time due to oil consumption flying that route)
I've never flown on a 777, but had the opportunity to take a look inside of one when it was in the maintenance hangar. It's huge.
I have went on a 777 and it was so beautiful and the best planes than any other flights I’ve taken. Thank you 777 😢🥺 I will miss you
So sad! I will miss the DL 777 so much! 😢 This is such sad news for us all to hear. Also at 2:39 Great photos of that United 777-200ER and that Classic Virgin Atlantic 747-400! 😮🎉 I love those retro photos especially as an avid aviation photographer and plane spotter! 😊
JEB! I have a love /hate relationship with this plane. I was a Government Contractor from 2009-2014 and must have flown 20 times on the 777-200 nonstop from ATL to DXB . Always coach and it was miserable, not an empty seat on the plane. Always dreamed of business or first class, but my company was too cheap.. usually a 14-16 hour flight depending on tailwinds.. enjoy your channel, keep up the good work!
Great video. Keep them coming.
When I fly on my P3D Sim, I use the PMDG 777 in Delta "The Spirit of Atlanta" livery. I've flown this jet so much on the LAX-ATL route.
Delta is a great airline! I'm praying 🙏 ❤️ for you all! Love the southern hospitality!
This decision was a bit of a shock. All of my interesting and exotic travels are connected with the 777-300 (not with Delta per se, but still..). Still looks so elegant after 20 years.
I always loved the 777, it has a special spot in my heart. Just hearing this a few days ago honestly was a surprised from Delta. Especially the fact that Delta has no more Boeing orders for anything. I hope by chance that something does happen and the 777 will stay.
As a Delta employee always hate to see iconic aircraft being retired, especially from an outside influence you have no control over. Hopefully things will return to somewhat normal, sooner rather than later.
In December 2019 wife and I flew from JNB to ATL on a Delta 777....glad we got to experience that! Sad to see it go and cry doubtful the direct flight from ATL to JNB is getting retired as well. Maybe Delta will service JNB from NYC or add a Dakar stop from ATL.
Jeb love the Video again, this is Delta moving forward with a Airbus only fleet as they have A320 Neo, A330 Neo, A220 and the A350, even though there is rumors they wanted to be boeing 797 NMA launch customer, but we all know boeing has majors issues currently with the 737Max. Keep up the great work Jeb ✈️✈️
The 777 made a sound we’d never heard before in aviation I think part of its appeal
I know this comment is late, but my friend used to be a 777 captain with Delta Airlines, but was devastated when he heard that they were getting retired. He is now retired and is making his own general aviation plane, but he misses his job very much. Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work!
This is incredibly unfortunate. However, modernizing their current fleet is the only way forward and I’m excited to see what kind of new aircraft and routes they’ll offer. Here’s to getting the industry back to how it was before!
Very sad news. My first flight on the DL 777 was Atlanta to Dubai in 2013. It was a nice plane and a great flight too.
Delta is currently flying 2 all cargo 777s from FRA-ORD daily, I saw both of them on May 9, and I also saw one in ATL back in 2018, I will miss them :(
Can’t say I ever had the same attraction to the 777...I’m actually happy now that this will up my chances on flying a350s and a220s on Delta now.
Like always Jeb...awesome but sad Video....my 1st 777 flight was from ORD to SJU with UA and it was extremely nice....it will be greatly missed.
Thanks for watching. I'm sure that was a great flight!
Wonderful video...I’ve just subscribed. I’m a Delta pilot with over 41 years.
I’ve wanted to fly for delta my whole life, and this is the plane I wanted to fly. Very sad to see her go
I have a flight on the 777-200ER from HND>LAX in October on Delta. Hoping I get to fly in it!
About the 777 engines. Last time I was on a 777 was when I was 7 years old. I was aware that I was on a 777-300ER, but I wasn’t paying attention to the powerful GE-90 engines. Such a shame to see these aircraft go from Delta’s fleet
My Parents were luckey enough to fly on this beautiful bird back in the early 2000s. Unfortunately, i wasn't born until 2006. It was my dream to fly the Delta 777-200LR, but now that may not happen 😭. I only flew on the United 777 and American 777. RIP
The 777 is a great aircraft. I've flown these domestically, between SFO and IAD, and once internationally between SFO and LHR. Spacious, comfortable (even in the Economy) and reliable. Guess the Airbus A350 costs less to operate which is one reason Delta is retiring their 777's. I've never actually flown an A350, but looking foreward to someday 😃
This was my dream job...the entire reason I got into flying, the reason I pursued college as a professional pilot and now I have to give up that dream job and look to fly these elsewhere, if I’m lucky. While I hope to still live my dream in flying the 777 family, I have to now accept the fact that I will never have the ability to do so with the airline that sparked my love for air travel
Mr. Brooks, how can we "see you in the sky" if they'll be taking these beauties down? 😕
Amazing piece of engineering andI think we are continue to fly out of a golden era of flying.
I have been a pilot on the 777 at Delta for 11 years. She is truly an amazing aircraft, will miss her.
Thanks for keeping us safe through the years!
I saw a repainted ex-Delta 777 at Grant County International Airport. Seems that a company called Mammoth Freighters acquired a lot of Delta’s old 777s.
The 777 is my favorite aircraft and the one that I always flew on across the world. So sad to see it go even with an airline that I never flew with.
Well that’s sad. I understand why but still quite sad. They’re so iconic
Sad, loved flying from JHB to Atlanta and back :-(
That is SOOOO DEPRESSING the 777 is what made me LOVE aviation.
It is very sad news. At least other airlines will keep them! I just hope no airline retires my favourite plane - the 747 - 8
Good afternoon Jeb. First, like you I am an avid aviation enthusiast. But unlike you I'm not able to travel as much, I've only been a Delta Diamond for about four years now and I've managed to accrue about 1.7MM that I hardly every use, but that's for another topic. Second, to your questions. I believe, in my opinion, I can answer all of your inquires with one simple answer. "Travel will NEVER be the same" and I doubt very seriously, given the nature of this virus and how it is transmitted, that travel of any kind will ever be the same. However, that said, what I do believe is that engineers will envision new types of travel that will stretch us and take us into the future of aviation much quicker than we could have expected. Urgency will cause us to do that. Thank you for all you do, stay safe!
Like everyone else, I’m sad to see the fleet retired. I have so many fond memories of the 777 on Delta and other carriers. But the 777 was in reality a very small part of the overall Delta fleet, so I understand the financial need.
i flew on a 777 last year from jfk to paris. best flight ever.
Forty years ago flying had to be booked far in advance and cost a LOT of money...when you went through the airport is was uncrowded and the whole experience was both pleasant and exciting. Flying is about to become "deja vu all over again".
Unfortunately I've never flown a Boeing 777 either from Delta or any other airlines that have them. I've always enjoyed seeing those amazing planes take off and land out of Logan Airport in Boston!! I hope they will keep one of at the Delta Flight Museum like what they'd did with Delta's first Boeing 747! It would show amazing history of the aircraft of what provided for Delta. But I would like to fly on their new A330's and A350's after the pandemic.
Love your videos Jeb, I enjoy them!!
Mahalos for the awesome videos! Just so sad.
Many happy memories of the 777, but the newer aircraft are not only less expensive to fly, but also provide more flexibility and open up long thin routes. American carriers eschewed the A380 for the same reasons, so it's now just moving down a size, in aircraft.
Before the jet had been launched, I remember being stunned to learn that the 777’s engines would be the same diameter as a 737 fuselage! I couldn’t wait to get my first glimpse of this new age, wide body, twin jet. And when I did, boy was I impressed. I couldn’t take my eyes off those massive GE90 turbofans!
It is sad to hear about the 777's retirement. I do not see the airline industry returning to what it was before the pandemic. The last Delta flight I was on was from Beijing to Detroit and that was an airbus.
Such gutting, shattering news. I will miss the 777 as much as I do the L1011s, DC10s, and 757s.
Good questions my friend!!!
Sad to see them go never had a chance to fly one sadly
Great video Jeb, I am a big fan of Boeing, sad to hear that Delta is retiring the 777 fleet, simply there is no enough business. My self, unemployed, had to pospone our trip to Europe, have about 300K miles that we can’t use them due the covid 19 crisis. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽.
The sound of those engines ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The 777 is one of my favorite planes and it hurts so bad I’ll probably never fly on one
My great memories was the flight from New York twice to Las Vegas. Beautiful bird plane ✈️. Rip Amen 🙏🏻
I understand the decision, but it's just so sad to see planes with beautiful new interiors lost, while the 767's with the dated, garbage interiors fly on.
i hate the 767 interiors. i wish they would update them!!
@@annaliesebuchan they will dispose of them soon enough not to warrant spending the money on upgrades.
@@annaliesebuchan I love the 767 so much. But the only thing I hate about it is it's interior. If Boeing did not stop the production of the passenger 767, new cabins could have been added in the plane. But the 767-400ER has a familiar cabin interior with the 777.
Delta might also retire the 767s!
From my research, the advantage the 787 and a350 have offer a330, 767 & 777 is comfort, sleekness, aesthetics, and less noise. Not fuel efficiency. In certain conditions, the 787 & a350 are less efficient compared to the a330, 767 & 777. FYI Delta had only 18 777s
This is shocking, especially given their overall age and relatively new interiors. Love this aircraft. I remember my first time on one - a random ferry flight from ATL to MCO. Had to be the shortest scheduled flight for the 777. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on one. Hopefully it’s safe to fly prior to it’s official retirement.
I never got to fly their 777. The closest i came was in 2018 on a flight from Atlanta to Honolulu. It was scheduled to be an A330 when I booked it, then they changed it to a 777 for about a week before changing back to an A330 and ultimately a 767-400.
I laugh when Jeb says “Boing 777” at 2:18
I never cry unless it’s aviation and I’m balling my eyes out
Travelled on so many 777s, sad story but 787 and 350 will now be the front runners
its sad i love the boeing 777 lots of memories
The delta livery looks soo good on boeing aircraft, primarily 737, 757, 767, 777
I love the 777, it's so sad to see them go. I think these are better in ways then the a350. The triple 7s were iconic and some even new. It's so sa