… and as much as like the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 for photos… I’m not going to miss them.
American Airlines MD-80 at Dallas Fort Worth, Image – Economy Class and Beyond
The MD-80 fleet is still numerous in number, with 61 MD-80 type aircraft left in the operational fleet of American Airlines.
Twenty of the type today retired to Roswell – to be placed into storage.
Don’t get me wrong – they’re lovely up front… least of all they’re almost quiet. However the further you get down the back of the plane, the more I wish I had spent money.
On ear defenders mainly.
There will a be lot of love for these hard-working planes that have served for up 28 years in some cases of the birds retired today.
However, the passenger experience demands – as well as long-term fuel costs and maintenance costs
The MD-80 fleet is being replaced with Boeing 737s family aircraft as American Airlines continues its renewal programme.
Expect the remainder to exit service between now and Summer 2018.
I’m sure at that point, there will be plenty of nostalgia for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 when the time for the final flight under America Airlines flag happens.
For now – as a passenger, I welcome the arrival of newer aircraft.
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HALLELJUAH! MD80S are most chronically plagued with mechanical problems and flight delays. Last time I was on one (and the slippery slope from short delay to flight cancellation had begun), the AA pilot advised me to never book a fight on them…