CB,
There is a persistent rumour that the 13 x 744s are replacing current aft. Not true.
Half will be converted directly to 744SF and the other half (with the least hours) will go to the pax fleet. Then.....
the half doz highest time pax 744 will also be converted to 744SF.
(plus the new 744SF from Boeing = 14 more 744s plus the mix of 330/777 as mentioned above......... all-in-all 22 more widebodies aka a 26% increase in the fleet)
This seems huge but as jtr points out if the economy turns down we have the ability to off-load acft with their leases expiring and there is the 747 classic fleet to consider.
Meanwhile as "there is no money in freight" (mis-quote of the century)..... the classics will stay - and may even get a glass/FMC/GPS upgrade.
jtr - ditto, I heard that after extensive searching for RR 744s that GE is now the flavour of the month.... apparently there is 1 or 2 in a desert somewhere?
All the above said........ the only constant is change.