By: robc - 20th May 2003 at 20:36
Yeah Northwest is the furthest behind in technology it would appear, althought they are finally saying buy to that ugly scheme theyve had all this time and going for a more appealing look, and they should really also say buy to the DC-9’s and the DC-10’s.
By: greekdude1 - 20th May 2003 at 20:27
Delta, United, American, Continental, and USAirways have already retired all 727’s. Delta still operates a few 737-200’s. MD-80’s are still relatively new, i.e. the oldest ones are around 20. I don’t consider those a classic type, as of yet. Northwest is really the only one that still operates the old types, because their fleet is comprised of so many of them! They still operate the 742 on transpacific flights. They still operate DC-10’s. They still operate DC-9’s. And they still operate a handful of 727’s, mainly for sports charters. As far as fleet renewal goes, who can afford it now? Nobody.
By: KabirT - 20th May 2003 at 16:28
Main concerns are ATF and Maintanence so for old B737s, B727s and seeing current fuel prices, yes about 30-40%.
By: Hand87_5 - 20th May 2003 at 16:25
Yes you’re all right .
I just mean the operating cost/seat regardless the residual value of the plane.
That is : fuel , airport taxes , crew , maintenance etc .
Any idea ? 50 % more ?
By: KabirT - 20th May 2003 at 16:21
true robc
By: robc - 20th May 2003 at 16:15
Well i can tell you the main reason for this is that the airline boom in the US happened earlier than here in Europe. So they are operating the types that came around then, whereas European airlines still operate older models, although not as old, but still from the time around the boom in the industry over here. For example the MD 80’s. But that is changing Delta has retired its last 727 and the others are doing the smae ordering next generation 737’s and such, however since many of them are nearly bankrupt its probably not the best time to be thinking of fleet replacement. But yes naturally they would save a lot of money on fuel and maintaining these old birds, especially with the freak rise in fuel prices there.
By: KabirT - 20th May 2003 at 15:59
But then they wont just sell these old birds like that, pin point future planning is done in this industry. Otherwise survivial will be very tough.
By: kev35 - 20th May 2003 at 15:52
Presumably the resale value of older generation aircraft is insufficient to fund the purchase of ore modern equipment unless the airline does very well or goes substantially into debt to fund such a move.
Just my two penn’orth.
Regards,
kev35
By: KabirT - 20th May 2003 at 15:47
quite alot…seeing these old machines are gas guzlers and ask for alot of maintanence.
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May 20, 2003 at 1:50 pm