I think a lot of the problem with Valujet/Airtran is that until recently their fleet has consisted of very old DC9-32s cobbled together from various sources all over the world. These aircraft were first registered between 1968-72. (It is noteworthy that similar a/c from that era are still registered to AC, NW, US, TW, CO, USAF, USN).

They also have newer a/c including 737-200s one of which has been registered 12 times in 9 countries, but at least its only 24 years old. However, and in all fairness, they are getting brand new B717s (MD95s), which should be as good as anything else flying today.

[This message has been edited by james (edited 08-11-2000).]