Alaska Airlines dumps MD80's for more 737's

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 14 Mar 2006, 02:43

An increase of 39 new 737's will replace all MD80's in service with Alaska.

http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/S ... iteId=mktw

Knight255 · Post by **Knight255** » 14 Mar 2006, 04:11

I have spent many hours on the MD-80. She is a good plane and it will be sad to see her leave. Just as the DC-10 before her, both were reputable planes, and it will be sad to see them leave.

fleabyte · Post by **fleabyte** » 14 Mar 2006, 13:50

They do a great job, bringing them into their own maintenance facilities, giving them TLC and putting them back into service. They are up to 17 and just finished refurbishing their first Fokker F100. The aircraft are in nice condition when they start service.

A_lexander · Post by **A_lexander** » 14 Mar 2006, 22:57

That's a lot better for Alaska!
Those fuel burning md's are great and lovely, but they cost way to much!

How's the financial situation of Alaska?

Knight255 · Post by **Knight255** » 14 Mar 2006, 23:32

Those fuel burning md's are great and lovely, but they cost way to much!

They do guzzle the gas indeed, however, once paid for the operating cost of a MD-80 is cheaper than a brand new fuel efficient 737 that still has lease payments.

ryanCX · Post by **ryanCX** » 14 Mar 2006, 23:42

Knight255 wrote:
Those fuel burning md's are great and lovely, but they cost way to much!
They do guzzle the gas indeed, however, once paid for the operating cost of a MD-80 is cheaper than a brand new fuel efficient 737 that still has lease payments.

Well, the airline has to move forward. Can't stay with the MDs forever. So even if its more expensive B737s are a wise and inevitable choice. Besides, MDs' safety records are worse than B737s' and the latter's a better plane in many ways, so I have no problems seing the MDs leave. I'd like to see more american carriers doing the same.

Knight255 · Post by **Knight255** » 14 Mar 2006, 23:47

Well, the airline has to move forward. Can't stay with the MDs forever. So even if its more expensive B737s are a wise and inevitable choice. Besides, MDs' safety records are worse than B737s' and the latter's a better plane in many ways, so I have no problems seing the MDs leave. I'd like to see more american carriers doing the same.

I do agree, airlines must move forward. It would probably pay off in the long run with newer airplanes. It just makes me feel old seeing those planes leave.

CXRules · Post by **CXRules** » 15 Mar 2006, 15:51

Don't feel sad. American Airlines still have 300 or so MD-80s, and they have no intention of upgrading any time soon. So you'll have plenty of opportunity to fly them if you fly AA. I believe Delta still fly them too.

Alaska financially is in decent shape if I'm not mistaken. That's why they can replace the MD80s with new planes.

A_lexander · Post by **A_lexander** » 15 Mar 2006, 16:44

How is the image of Alaska in America?
Because that crash in L.A. was scary man!

I still don't trust them

Knight255 · Post by **Knight255** » 15 Mar 2006, 18:38

I haven't heard of many complaints, or any for that matter. I guess it's alright.

Zorba · Post by **Zorba** » 15 Mar 2006, 21:05

MD's are quite a pain in the ass for loaders, there aren't much planes who have only engines on the tail, so it's a whole different way of loading etc. Good choice of Alaska.

A_lexander · Post by **A_lexander** » 15 Mar 2006, 21:12

yep...I agree:)

Knight255 · Post by **Knight255** » 15 Mar 2006, 23:25

there aren't much planes who have only engines on the tail, so it's a whole different way of loading etc.

Ever hear of the EMB-135/40/45?? Or the CRJ for that matter?? Although since they are smaller, the loading issues are a wee bit less complicated.

A_lexander · Post by **A_lexander** » 16 Mar 2006, 09:19

yeah see you're point, but I think he means that the majority of the aircraft are engined under their wings and not tail.
And maybe that's wy it's so complicated

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