azj,

The bulk of the ARJ fleet was leased for ten years, and early indications are that the leases won’t be renewed… my bests will be on the CRJ-700 as a replacement fleet type, but maybe the 728JET or Embraer 170/175 will get consideration.

I would think they would stay as a CRJ customer. Anyone know how profitable the ARJs are? It would seem that they would make a loss with how many potential seats are lost because of the contract restriction. Also at least a lot still have the option of a DC9 still.

Just wanted to chime in that I avoided DL's CRJ's like the plague and will do the same now that I'm flying NW. Give me an old DC-9-10 over a TundraJet anytime.

As for really flying ... nothing like a Saab in a T-storm.

Let's just say that each avro produces $450K in monthly revenue for XJ and NW. Considering we all work for subpar wages at XJ and cost ALOT less than our NW counterparts, I'd say quite a lot of money i made by the avros. Our puppet like mgmt says the avro makes more money for NW than the CRJs and saabs. Take it for what it's worth. As far as NW getting rid of the avros, why get rid of something that makes money? There IS NO indication of Xj/NW getting rid of these planes. There aren't any CRJ700 orders on the books for NW. Speculation will do no good here - we just get to see what the folks in Eagan plan on doing.


AZJ

Wow, thats a boat load of money. (right now anyways)

AZJ,
My statement was NOT speculation -- it was fact: a total of twenty-five of the ARJ were leased until April 2007. BAe Systems themselves expect (at the very least) ships 501 via 506 to be returned. If things stay status quo, an order for a replacement fleet type could be placed as far away as two years from now, and the ships would still arrive in time to replace the outgoing ARJ.

The ARJ Fleet (ship/delivery date; all ships were delivered new to NW).
N501XJ 04-24-1997
N502XJ 05-22-1997
N503XJ 06-27-1997
N504XJ 07-24-1997
N505XJ 08-25-1997
N506XJ 09-17-1997
N507XJ 10-23-1997
N508XJ 12-02-1997
N509XJ 01-28-1998
N510XJ 03-09-1998
N511XJ 04-08-1998
N512XJ 04-24-1998
N513XJ 06-22-1998
N514XJ 06-29-1998
N515XJ 08-18-1998
N516XJ 09-21-1998
N517XJ 10-01-1998
N518XJ 10-26-1998
N519XJ 02-16-1999
N520XJ 02-24-1999
N521XJ 03-10-1999
N522XJ 03-22-1999
N523XJ 03-30-1999
N524XJ 04-27-1999
N525XJ 05-10-1999
N526XJ 05-25-1999
N527XJ 06-08-1999
N528XJ 06-28-1999 (out of service since 10/15/02)
N529XJ 12-19-1999
N530XJ 01-12-2000
N531XJ 03-01-2000
N532XJ 03-08-2000
N534XJ 04-27-2000
N535XJ 05-08-2000
N536XJ 05-24-2000

N528XJ was a total write-off according to several sources. She will not be returning to service for NW. (Don't know what happens next ... scrapyard?)

Care to name your sources? One of them better not be airdisaster.com

If the plane was written off it was due to the fact that it would be cheaper to buy a white tail than to repair it. The plane IS indeed repairable...

AZJ

Your comments, azj, part of which I have quoted above, are very perceptive and balanced, IMHO.

I would like to say two things:
1. I love the ARJs and I am a fan of Mesaba, because you guys and gals get me where I'm going and you all do it in a nice way. I am a big fan of you all.
2. No matter what the present troubles, talent will out. You are going to not only be OK when the shake-out's all done, azj, but you and yours are going to be --some how--some way--better off than before.

-Your loyal PAX,
Harry

Oh, and P.S.:

I flew last night out of VPS on a NW DC-9, but my flight next Sunday, May 4, has me on...guess what?? Flight 3641...An Avro RJ operated by Mesaba Aviation!! Seat 01A in First Class!

Hopefully, not a misprint, but a chance to renew an old aquaintance ...acquantance ...OK, an old friend, dang it!

If this is regular, maybe you'll wind up here on a stopover and get to enjoy the beaches and maybe Gios and Gator's for unique dining...sure hope so.

Thanks Harry for your kind words. In an industry when we really only hear about the bad stuff - words of encouragement and optimistic views such as yours are welcome!

VPS service on the avro is not a misprint. We are indeed gracinf VPS with our chubby jet for at least the month of May. We haven't gotten our June schedules yet, but I believe traffic might be picking up so a DC9 will be back on the route. It was a temporary fix to soft bookings after the war started.

I'm incidently doing a VPS turn on SAt!! Just missing you - but I'm sure whomever your crew is will take good care of you. You'll get either a MEM crew or a CVG crew.

Enjoy...


AZJ

Can't help but chime in here! I am a HUGE fan of the Avro! What a comfortable plane with lots of space! We can thank the NW Pilot union for the space on the aircraft. Configured at 69 seats, it can actually hold up to 85.

On the other hand, I cannot stand any flavor of the CRJ. Just too **** uncomfortable! While I agree with the assertion that they are becoming more prevalent, I for one, avoid them at all costs.

There are always choices out there. I have essentially left DL and jumped to NW because of this and other reasons. NW wants my business and I gladly give it to them in exchange for a modicom of service and comfort.

I struggle understanding the long term business plan of the airlines as they move to an all RJ fleet (all coach, all uncomfortable). Given only two choices, WN with a 737 or (Insert airline name here) on a 40, 50, 70 or 90 seat CRJ, WN wins every time.

<on soap box> Until the major airlines understand that they CAN differentiate their product offerings, instead of trying to compete with just providng a commodity, they will ultimately fail, losing to likes of Southwest, JetBlue, Song, etc. <off soap box>

DL Plat, welcome to the preferred home of DL PM refugees ... NW. Soon you can burn your SM on NW intl upgrades.