So Long MD-80s?

[Flying Titan]

Alaska Airlines board to discuss cutting 26 fuel-guzzling planes
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Last updated: February 18th, 2006 07:22 AM (PST)

Alaska Airlines might dispose of 26 MD-80 planes – almost a quarter of its fleet – to reduce costs as it takes delivery of new aircraft that cost less to fly.
Getting rid of the planes would cut fuel, crew and maintenance costs, the airline’s parent, Alaska Air Group Inc., said Friday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company’s board will discuss getting rid of the planes, the second-oldest type in the carrier’s fleet, this quarter, the filing said.

“It’s really old technology,†said Fred Klein, a consultant who leads Herndon, Virginia-based Aviation Specialists Group Inc. “The planes are fuel-thirsty.â€

Bloomberg News

 

[NAPAUS]

Alaska Airlines board to discuss cutting 26 fuel-guzzling planes
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Last updated: February 18th, 2006 07:22 AM (PST)

Alaska Airlines might dispose of 26 MD-80 planes – almost a quarter of its fleet – to reduce costs as it takes delivery of new aircraft that cost less to fly.
Getting rid of the planes would cut fuel, crew and maintenance costs, the airline’s parent, Alaska Air Group Inc., said Friday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company’s board will discuss getting rid of the planes, the second-oldest type in the carrier’s fleet, this quarter, the filing said.

“It’s really old technology,†said Fred Klein, a consultant who leads Herndon, Virginia-based Aviation Specialists Group Inc. “The planes are fuel-thirsty.â€

Bloomberg News

YEAhhh , I luv AS and their products and people, but HATE that piece of crap 80. Hopefully they will be replaced with more 700, 800, 900's. Lookin forward to hearin some news - soon!

 

[Flying Titan]

Alaska makes it official....

Alaska Airlines speeds up move to all 737 fleet
Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) - 9:08 AM PST Monday

Alaska Airlines will have a fleet entirely made up of Boeing 737 airplanes by the end of 2008, company officials said Monday.

The Seattle airline, a division of Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK), said it will speed up the retirement of its 26 MD-80 airplanes in a move that will cost $750 million. Alaska officials say they'll save $115 million per year in lower fuel, maintenance, training and crew scheduling costs with the all-Boeing 737 fleet.

Alaska said it will take delivery of 39 737-800 planes from now until 2008. The airline also said it has firm commitments for 13 airplanes, options for 24 more and purchase rights for an additional 27 planes in 2009 and beyond.

"Having a common fleet and growing with next-generation, fuel- efficient Boeing 737s will make a major difference in our operating costs, fleet reliability and the onboard experience for our customers," said Bill Ayer, Alaska's chairman and CEO, in a statement.

Alaska said the move to retire its 15 owned MD-80 airplanes will cost between $130 million and $150 million (or $80 million to $85 million after tax). The company expects a similar cost to retire its 11 leased MD-80s, and it expects the total special charges to its income statement to be between $160 million and $190 million after tax.

 

[AC AA LA FA]

...Im jealous.....
wish AA would consider the same..
AC AA LA FA

 

[dl764]

YEAhhh , I luv AS and their products and people, but HATE that piece of crap 80. Hopefully they will be replaced with more 700, 800, 900's. Lookin forward to hearin some news - soon!

YESSSSSS I hope more 700,800,900 also B)

 

[Spirit MD-80]

YESSSSSS I hope more 700,800,900 also B)

What is wrong with you people? :angry: Everybody hates the MD-80. I love it. McDonnell Douglas built the MD-80s to be strong, to last. New planes will last half the time of DC-9s and MD-80s. American Airlines has 275 MD-80s. And not in the money postion to buy more! Besides, the aircraft can be studied and fitted with winglets. I hate you people who love your "modern planes" Just becuse it is technolligy advanced does not meen it is better in reliability! Any MD-80 fans out there?

 

[dl764]

What is wrong with you people? :angry: Everybody hates the MD-80. I love it. McDonnell Douglas built the MD-80s to be strong, to last. New planes will last half the time of DC-9s and MD-80s. American Airlines has 275 MD-80s. And not in the money postion to buy more! Besides, the aircraft can be studied and fitted with winglets. I hate you people who love your "modern planes" Just becuse it is technolligy advanced does not meen it is better in reliability! Any MD-80 fans out there?

I guess you are right. The Super 80 is very nice. I have flow on one before on AA and it was very nice. Oh and I am mad about Spirit getting Airbus's

 

[IORFA]

If I am not mistaken, I think AA has closer to 340 some S-80's. Don't forget the 150 some TWA had. It is just under half the fleet. 48-49% if I recall correctly.

 

[dl764]

If I am not mistaken, I think AA has closer to 340 some S-80's. Don't forget the 150 some TWA had. It is just under half the fleet. 48-49% if I recall correctly.

Yes, http://av-info.faa.gov/detail.asp?DSGN_COD...AN+AIRLINES+INC shows 361 aircraft

 

[MCI transplant]

Yes, http://av-info.faa.gov/detail.asp?DSGN_COD...AN+AIRLINES+INC shows 361 aircraft

<_<--- It also shows aa has only been in business 52 years! That can't be right, can it??? Their calming they just had their 80th anniversary!

 

[Guest]

I loved the 80, I think there should be a "save the 80 foundation"

 

[dl764]

I loved the 80, I think there should be a "save the 80 foundation"

I am with you!
Nice IDEA

 

[Flying Titan]

Agreed. The MD-80 is a very good plane...but I believe it's also a fuel hog. Stack it up against the A320 family or the B737NGs and, in terms of efficiency, there's no comparison. That's why it's so disappointing that the B717 (MD-95) didn't last longer. Same great construction, very quiet, excellent performance with much better fuel efficiency. However, with no "family" the B717 didn't stand much of a chance to make it in the current market.

Unfortunately, with fuel on a sharp upward track, I would expect more carriers to begin parking MD-80s sooner rather than later. Spirit and Alaska have both said they're good aircraft; they just burn too much jet-A.

 

[Spirit MD-80]

Now that I see how many people have second thoughts, I take back this. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? in my post here. Secondly, HOLY CRAP 361 MD-80s? American has 361 MD-80s? I be that is probebly 30% of how many MD-80s in the world! I love Spirits MD-80s. But if anyone wants too, just go to contcact us on www.spiritair.com. Then click on feesback. Send a message to them. Make thm know you care. Lets do something about it. Spirit MD-80s will not go down without a fight. Niether will Alaska MD-80s

 

[dl764]

Now that I see how many people have second thoughts, I take back this. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? in my post here. Secondly, HOLY CRAP 361 MD-80s? American has 361 MD-80s? I be that is probebly 30% of how many MD-80s in the world! I love Spirits MD-80s. But if anyone wants too, just go to contcact us on www.spiritair.com. Then click on feesback. Send a message to them. Make thm know you care. Lets do something about it. Spirit MD-80s will not go down without a fight. Niether will Alaska MD-80s

MD-80 is awesome! So Sprit MD-80
are you joining the "Save The 80 Club" ?