While most airlines around the world are downsizing, Eastern Airlines is continuing to expand its fleet. A few months ago the airline took delivery of its first (used) Boeing 777, then a few weeks ago the airline acquired another two 777s, and now the airline is acquiring another two 777s. What remains to be seen…
Continue reading: Eastern Airlines Acquires Five Used Boeing 777s
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I just watched a show on a streaming service about the 16 year maintenance service a 777 goes through, this show followed an AF 777 service. It is a big service, and basically takes the plane apart and puts it back together. If that service was already completed on the aircraft in the article, and they picked it up for a good price due to current economics, it might have been a great deal. It should last another 15 years, according to Boeing.
On a different subject maybe you could keep us posted of what becomes of all the used Delta 777's.
Used 777 are normally cheap since most doesn't have much afterlife use and often bought for spare parts. Based on current conditions, I would guess they got it for China flights and some sure bet cargo contracts. I'm not sure if cargo alone would be enough to breakeven but I guess cheap 777 can offset that.
Why China?
It's probably on how CAAC restricts number of flights to once a week. The work around if you can't add more frequencies, add more airlines!!!!.
And this 777 might have little cycle and hours left that makes it so cheap but still enough fly it until CAAC lifts their restrictions.
@SKF
What you describe is called D Check. The interesting thing is AF's 1st D Check 777 is 15 years?????
Interesting to follow this airline along.
I see you mentioned a few times about anchorage, Jinan and San Diego.
The airline also applied to fly nonstop JFK to Cabo in Mexico.
https://paxex.aero/2020/01/eastern-airlines-cabo-san-lucas-route-announcement/
They would be only airline on that route.
@Eskimo That is interesting, perhaps they meant is was the first D Check performed by AF instead of a 3rd party MRO. I watched the show too, it was quite fascinating. It was called Boeing 777: The Heavy Check, available on Prime.
my wife has done some business with them and let's say they sometimes have trouble paying their bills.
I’m staying away from disease infested & disorderly Trumpistan and this fly by night operator.
They are having at least once weekly a repatriation flight to Buenos Aires, during these months
I don't think AF uses anyone else. It might still possibly be the first D Check. Depending on policy they might do some other 'heavy' maintenance in other cycles or just random time and that everything will eventually run its hours and cycle to fall around 15 years.
Maybe someone with TechOps knowledge can share some insights.
Having been a heavy user of the old CO/EA to its end, it's fun to see the EA livery again, just as it was to see a TW livery at the gate in DFW/Terminal C.
Eastern has been running charter flights about once a week from Buenos Aires during the pandemic.
I am not sure why you would pay money to buy the name and then come up with an enitirely new livery.
I'm with Cliburn.
If the new owners want to distance themselves from the old Eastern Airlines, by getting rid of the iconic 'hockey stick' livery, then why keep the old Eastern bird logo on the tail? Seems to me this airline has identity issues.
If the interior is anything like the ex-SIA 777 that LATAM was using a few years ago on its SCL-GRU-SCL route, stay far away. The aircraft featured the old angled SIA spacebeds in business class, many of which did not work and none of which had been well maintained. Worst premium cabin of my life. Mercifully only three hours!
Agree with Cliburn ... the 777 should have been painted in the original livery as in the photo of the 737 to get maximum value out of the name and nostaglia. Or in the new color scheme without the block EASTERN and flown it as generic like HiFly.
Makes little sense to use the EASTERN Name yet change the Livery. EASTERN Name and Livery were iconic and this New Livery is Stylish just seems like a Disconnect. I do not see much prospect for This Endeavor.....sounds like throwing Pasta at a wall to see if it sticks.
It's 100-percent gonna be for military charter. It makes zero sense in any other application.
The only reason to use the Eastern name is to use their color scheme and color. Without that you might as well change the name to something that wouldn't be as confusing.
People that are mentioning a disconnect between name and livery have to remember the last time the original livery flew was 1990. So most people that might have sentimental connections to that brand are now retirement age. Other than aviation geeks people could care less about the original brand, especially if all they fly is charters and holiday destinations which I think the old livery does not represent well.
Eastern just announced they will fly to South America. Argentina will be the first country.
I flew on an Eastern charter to the Middle East in September. It was on a 767. Old, dirty, and no IFE system. Not my best flight even though I was seated in a very old manual recliner business class seat. Lots of charter business out there for them.
I start to think their capital expenditure a little too aggressive. Sure the current price for second-hand frames is probably lower than ever, but maintaining these old bones can be costly over the long term. Not to say 777s do not seem to be a good fit for their network. I'm not sure if I would feel comfortable flying with them
Eastern Airlines now is s fleet of 13 aircraft (10) 767 (5) 200 and (5) 300 with (3) 777. They are expanding destinations as well to Buenos Aires Argentina and Santa Cruz Bolivia from Miami 3 weekly. Announced yesterday they will begin service to Santo Domingo from JFK and Philadelphia on or around November 22 for Jfk snd dec 3rd from Philadelphia. Eastern Airlines N771KW will be used for DOD as well as Charter and Commercial service. Currently Eastern is converting a 777-300ER to all Cargo as it is in the works of beginning a large cargo arm. Eastern has also acquired (3) more 767-300ER under its Alta division and (2) more 777-200(ER) with Jet Midwest from JAL.
Jfk to SJD was shelved before it started due to competition by delta and AA per this press release!
There's no way GEO can handle a 777. Not even sure it can handle a 762. I hope by now the wreckage of that Caribbean 738 has been removed...
I saw an Eastern 762 in this livery awhile back and holy cats those things are OLD. They must be the last ones flying. Or not.
I saw an Eastern plane parked at MIA today. Couldn’t tell if it was a 777 or 767.
In the day, Eastern was the way to go! Eastern today deserves a chance and hopefully they go about it correctly and survive. The did very well with keeping up with relief flights which according to their website are still going on. Difficult times right now and they seem to be looking into the future instead of throwing in the towel. I wish them the best and hope to fly with them one day soon
Eastern is currently training it's 777 crews. I am one of them.
Destinations? Nothing public.
All freight conversion? No idea.
Cheap acquisition? Oh yeah!
The 767s are being outfitted with new interiors, and a Wifi based Inflight entertainment system.
The 777s will also be treated the same, as they get their heavy checks done. Basic two class seating. No premium layflat or any of that type. Seating for 390, give or take...
Hey man!
How's Eastern doing now? I feel like the 777 has been sitting on the ground forever. Now seems like they have a very limited network.
Hi Jeff,
What’s the current status with Eastern? You still flying with them? Very little info if any on them on the web.
Looks like my cruise line has booked Eastern (as a charter) to get us from Miami to Ushuaia, Argentina, and back, with a stop in Montevideo, Uruguay on the way back. Any information on the planes utilized for this charter would be appreciated, especially the seating and on board amenities (if any). Thanks!