It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.
This week, American Airlines withdrew the last of its McDonnell Douglas MD-80 from its fleet in a mass send-off. Here are some pictures I’ve captured of MD-80’s through the years.
At Dallas Fort Worth – the spiritual home of the type
On approach to O’Hare – I’m sure many of us have done that route.
And taxing at O’Hare.
The type was introduced in 1983, joining the American Airlines fleet, where it has served growing out the American Airlines network.
The MD-80s have been replaced by the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 family in most respects – as time has moved on, the efficiencies of operating older equipment with the maintenance and certification costs.
For some of these aircraft that have been retired, they might see service again if the price is right. For others – parting out could well happen to keep other McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in the air (and certainly some airlines will be looking at the engines as a cheap replacement powerplant source) – indeed Delta has an operational fleet of MD-88 aircraft that will need parts for years to come.
And some will probably sit out their lives in the Rosewell sun.
But for American Airlines – the final chapters have been written for the MD-80.
More Airplane Art next week!
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I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mad Dogs, especially since you could have a LF up to 80% without people having to take centre seats.
I’ll be flying on a MD-95 on Delta this Sunday, looking forward to it!