Boeing 737-823 New Configuration Orders & Replacement of MD-80 (consolidated)
Feb 26, 2007, 9:16 pm
#47
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Feb 26, 2007, 9:29 pm
#49
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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1172..._whats_news_us
"...American, the world's largest carrier by traffic, has the most pressing need. Its 300 MD-80 jetliners in service are 17 years old on average, guzzle 20% more fuel than new 737s and lack audiovisual gear to entertain passengers. The planes account for nearly half of American's 697-plane mainline fleet and are the workhorse of its domestic operations.
Late last year, American's parent acknowledged that one of its most significant challenges is devising a near-term plan to replace the MD-80s. The company said in its annual report filed Friday that it is considering replacing some of its older planes before 2013, but that its recent losses, heavy debt and poor credit rating may make it difficult to get financing.
Swapping the MD-80s for Boeing 737s, assuming the airline could get that many, would cost nearly $10 billion. America's parent, unlike some of its rivals, stayed out of bankruptcy court during the latest downturn. It is currently struggling to pay down its towering long-term debt, which stood at $18.4 billion in December...."
"...American, the world's largest carrier by traffic, has the most pressing need. Its 300 MD-80 jetliners in service are 17 years old on average, guzzle 20% more fuel than new 737s and lack audiovisual gear to entertain passengers. The planes account for nearly half of American's 697-plane mainline fleet and are the workhorse of its domestic operations.
Late last year, American's parent acknowledged that one of its most significant challenges is devising a near-term plan to replace the MD-80s. The company said in its annual report filed Friday that it is considering replacing some of its older planes before 2013, but that its recent losses, heavy debt and poor credit rating may make it difficult to get financing.
Swapping the MD-80s for Boeing 737s, assuming the airline could get that many, would cost nearly $10 billion. America's parent, unlike some of its rivals, stayed out of bankruptcy court during the latest downturn. It is currently struggling to pay down its towering long-term debt, which stood at $18.4 billion in December...."
Feb 26, 2007, 9:39 pm
#50
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It's subjective, but I'll take a Y seat in a MD80 over a Y seat in one of the slAAve ships any time.....
AA will be flying Maddogs for another 10 years.
Feb 26, 2007, 9:46 pm
#51
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Feb 26, 2007, 9:47 pm
#52
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Feb 26, 2007, 9:52 pm
#53
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if AA had more 757s into my home airport I'd fly AA more. I am not a fan of TED.
Feb 26, 2007, 9:57 pm
#54
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I'm sure someone here will correct me, but I believe the engines are only part of the problem - the wing on those planes is an old design. The newer technologies are lighter and more efficient, and that can't be overcome by, for example, retro fitting winglets.
Feb 26, 2007, 10:03 pm
#55
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Not a slam... but a comparison and your unwillingness to fly in the same (and I would argue, better) conditions. I mean, are you concerned with the age of the aircraft itself, or the age/condition of the interiors? Describing the planes as "decrepit" would indicate the latter, but you are now citing the age. Which is it?
Feb 26, 2007, 10:05 pm
#56
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Not a slam... but a comparison and your unwillingness to fly in the same (and I would argue, better) conditions. I mean, are you concerned with the age of the aircraft itself, or the age/condition of the interiors? Describing the planes as "decrepit" would indicate the latter, but you are now citing the age. Which is it?
edited to add: I've only been on two legs with an AA md80 in the past year but my impression is they are more aged and worn than uniTED A320s.
Feb 26, 2007, 10:12 pm
#58
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Feb 26, 2007, 10:31 pm
#59
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I thought the wings were already efficient enough that adding winglets doesn't make sense, but the JT8-D engines were about 15% less fuel efficient then comparable 738s. IIRC, the MD80 was the most efficient aircraft of it's time, and it's successor, 717, has proven to be a success and unfortunately was killed by Boeing.
Feb 26, 2007, 10:41 pm
#60
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I think the analogy is that it is big and holds a large number of people crammed in close together. It's probably a better analogy for the AB6 but those fly such a limited selection of AA routes that I bet a lot of AA flyers rarely get to "enjoy" them.