AA starts retiring MD-80s

I am glad to see American start pulling the MD-80 from their fleet. Kudos to American.

That aircraft, which Bob Crandall got a REALLY good deal for, is getting a little old in the tooth.

The really nice deal for passengers is that the MD-80's are being replaced with 80 brand new 737-800's over the next two years starting in Jan 08.

AA already has 77 of the latest generation 737's in the fleet and those will be added to at the rate of more than 3 per month in Jan. for at least the next two years.

I will miss the md80s! its a good aircraft. but of course its definitely to old now, I really hate the fact that Boeing bought out McDonald Douglas.:(

As an Aircraft mechanic, I still love the MD-80's. It's a simple aircraft and very reliable considering it's age. Having worked for the airlines for almost 30 years, the old DC-9, L-1011, 727, DC-8 and now MD-80 series aircraft were very simple to repair compared to the newer generation aircraft. All the systems that make the airplane simpler to fly for the bus drivers on the newer aircraft greatly increase maintenance for the lowly mechanics. Granted, fuel costs greatly diminsh the value of the MD-80's, but I will bid a tearfull goodbye to these old workhorses.

They were on sale to replace a great 727. Wish AA would have had 737's all along. The MD-80 served it's purpose. But, like the V-8 muscle car it's time to say goodbye. Combine that with a small cargo belly, and doors that open in instead of out causing head injuries. There was no entertainment system making long flights very dull fast. On second thought I guess I'll be slamming the door behind them.

Line Mech wrote:

As an Aircraft mechanic, I still love the MD-80's. It's a simple aircraft and very reliable considering it's age. Having worked for the airlines for almost 30 years, the old DC-9, L-1011, 727, DC-8 and now MD-80 series aircraft were very simple to repair compared to the newer generation aircraft. All the systems that make the airplane simpler to fly for the bus drivers on the newer aircraft greatly increase maintenance for the lowly mechanics. Granted, fuel costs greatly diminsh the value of the MD-80's, but I will bid a tearfull goodbye to these old workhorses.

Congratulations. You must be one of those old guys who can actually troubleshoot and read schematics. Now we just have component changers and bite checkers!

Line Mech wrote:

As an Aircraft mechanic, I still love the MD-80's. It's a simple aircraft and very reliable considering it's age. Having worked for the airlines for almost 30 years, the old DC-9, L-1011, 727, DC-8 and now MD-80 series aircraft were very simple to repair compared to the newer generation aircraft. All the systems that make the airplane simpler to fly for the bus drivers on the newer aircraft greatly increase maintenance for the lowly mechanics. Granted, fuel costs greatly diminsh the value of the MD-80's, but I will bid a tearfull goodbye to these old workhorses.

Lol....The good Thing about it was By Retiring them I got to take the Early Out Pkg here in TPA..You Guys work hard and keep my Pension coming in....