Originally Posted by
WWads
Maybe those MD88s are literally falling apart and DL has nothing else to replace them with at this moment.
I haven't heard anything about critical issues in the MD88 fleet though. Sure they go mechanical more often these days, but nothing crazy. Certainly not five at the same time.
Maybe they'll base them all at CVG.
I think the plan was all along for the MD88 retirement to start sometime later this year, and it doesn't seem to me like a potential order of 5 used planes would really impact that retirement plan either way. The inclusions of specific MD88 tail numbers in the original source is the biggest head scratcher to me.
But hey, here's to hoping!
(Sorry, you can only have RJs at CVG!
)
ETA: That said, DL does love a used plane.