Airbus Fleet
#1
Original Member
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT (NYC Suburbs), Gulf Stream, FL
Programs: United Premier 1K, American AAdvantage Gold
Posts: 3,089
Airbus Fleet
Anyone heard if experience in operating the Airbus fleet has changed the company plan to get rid of them? In particular, the A321 neo is a sweet machine.
#3
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AS 100K, HH Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 189
IIRC, Tilden specifically called out the 321neo as a separate discussion from the rest of the Airbus fleet. Leases aren't up for another 3-5 years for the most part, anyways.
#4
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,272
Since AS would have to order replacement planes, the MAX situation complicates things a bit. One article speculated that AS' timing may be fortuitous. Boeing may want to prime the order pump once the update is approved, so AS may be able to secure favorable pricing.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, 1MM
Posts: 377
This has been discussed somewhat in other threads, but AS went to an all Boeing fleet (particularly the 737 series) in order to streamline maintenance and crews. 737 pilots did not fly MD-90s, but a little challenge into scheduling when there were irrops. Last month I did a mid-con on a 737-7; all loaded up ready to go, then a maintenance issue. We sat there for almost an hour until the pilot said "folks, plane is broke, but they have another one across the terminal". Unloaded, went across the N-Terminal to a 737-9 and took off with the same crew. Nice to have that flexibility. I agree, the Airbus will be around for awhile, but I believe in the future, they will go back to a single platform.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AS 100K, HH Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 189
This has been discussed somewhat in other threads, but AS went to an all Boeing fleet (particularly the 737 series) in order to streamline maintenance and crews. 737 pilots did not fly MD-90s, but a little challenge into scheduling when there were irrops. Last month I did a mid-con on a 737-7; all loaded up ready to go, then a maintenance issue. We sat there for almost an hour until the pilot said "folks, plane is broke, but they have another one across the terminal". Unloaded, went across the N-Terminal to a 737-9 and took off with the same crew. Nice to have that flexibility. I agree, the Airbus will be around for awhile, but I believe in the future, they will go back to a single platform.
#7
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 150
I wouldn't be surprised to see them keep the 321neos, purely based on how efficient they are. However, not sure how effective they are currently when AS is scheduling them for LAX<>SFO turns with a final leg to SEA, as they did last week.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,892
I was talking to a maintenance supervisor who was sitting next to me on a flight, he said the long term plan is to get rid of the Airbii as the leases expire. Some are a ways out so are retrofitting those in the meantime.
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
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Havent the A321's been having engine issues? Not sure if it's still the case. Just boarded my first airbii this year. Wonder how 1F will fare...
#10
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
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Posts: 2,036
#11
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,258
Slightly off subject but now that "AIRBUS SERIES" represent 8 different variations, I'm hoping at least Aircraft types will be differentiated in our reservations. This action is way overdue.
Jiburi
Jiburi
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
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I've found expertflyer works well by looking at the seatmap. Too far out, a swap is probably likely.