Originally Posted by flyastrojets
Many of the TW MD80's have an advanced EFIS package including an electronic engine instrument indicator system. Some of the original AA MD80's had electronic artificial horizon indicators and HSI's, but the engine instruments were still the old round dials.
IIRC a number of the newer MD-83s (perhaps the last 24) were configured as over-water aircraft...this enabled them to fly more efficient routes JFK- to florida and as well to the Carribean. I believe AA opted not to utilize this feature. In fact, I think I recall reading somewhere that they may have been 'de-rated' (that is the life rafts taken out) by AA. Not sure on the last point.