Originally Posted by SEA_Tigger
When full, a 757 has the lowest operating cost of any airplane in the sky. However, it needs to be full. With hub-and-spoke turning into either point-to-point or RJ spokes, capacity is down per flight, so the 757s are not as popular as the 737NGS and the single-aisle Airbusses.
Also, until the 737NG and Airbuses, a 757 was the only two-engine single aisle plane that could cross a continent (much less an ocean). Now they can darn near do it with an RJ. *shudder*
The 757 still forms an important part of the fleets that have them, but I can understand why airlines are not buying more, preferring the 737NGs and Airbusses, instead.
I enjoy my 757 flights, especially up front, and would much rather have a 757 than a 737 or an A320.
As another poster had commented, I too remember my first 757 flight; I was young at the time, I recall the way it went back and back, but the one thing that got my attention at the time was the way it took off like a rocket compared to other aircraft (ala 727). I've flown the 757 from "sea to shining sea" here in the states many times; more recently I even made my first trans-Atlantic crossing on a 757-200 (CLE-LGW with CO).
Unfortunately with the economics and the current state of the airline industry, Boeing's decision makes sense. Despite the last 757 coming off the assembly line, the 757 will be around for many years to come -- and hopefully the aircraft will be properly maintained.
Now, the thought of an RJ from "Sea to Shining Sea" let alone trans-Oceanic <shudder>....
Best,
SDF_Traveler