Should future pilots expect to see such aircraft being used more often than the ones we’ve all known about for years? Or would you say new releases like the 777X ensure certain lines don’t go out of service for decades?
John,
Your question can best be answered by looking at the current fleets of any Major airline. While the 787 is a great plane and has been flying a few years now, you still see plenty of 73s, 75s, 76s, 77s and a variety of Airbuses flying. There are many factors that determine which plane goes where (range, capacity, cost of operation including balance of lease etc). There is no one size fits all perfect airframe.
Adam
John,
Airplanes have a long life span, but just as the 767 replaced the L-1011, so to will the 787 eventually replace the 767. My airline is planning on phasing out the 767 as more 787s come online.
Chris