I think that for such a small fleet of out of production planes, even 20 years ago, the economics simply do not add up. It is not just a matter of bolting on two new engines. The cockpit will also need to be changed frmo 4-engined to 2-engined. This also means changes to the plumbing. This also means changes to the wiring and let’s not even start with the paper mess of certifcation.

Such a procedure is really only worthwhile for large fleets such as the USAF KC-135s as well as the numerous civilian DC-8 cargo/VIP planes. Also, the 707/DC8 conversion was less cumbersome as they stayed with 4 engines.

Hi,

A few question for you KLM enthusiasts.

• Do KLM MD11s have PTV’s?
• If not, are there any plans to?
• Can anyone confirm that KLM are using MD-11s on their twice daily service to Dubai (DXB/OMDB)?

Thanks in advance,

Sam 🙂

No IFE on the MD-11s, and I do not know of any plans to install them either. The MD11s are mostly used on low yielding routes so the incentive to kit them out with the latest and greatest is small. Besides, as mentioned the planes will start leaving the fleet in 5 or so 6 years.

I have checked for todays flights and both DXB flights are with 772s. They do have PTV and a fantastic one at that.

I am willing to bet that within a year Ryanair will base two or more planes at Eindhoven.

New legislation has passed that allows wider opening hours for airlines, as long as the planes are based at EIN. This is valid for no more then two airlines to please the NIMBY’s at least a bit.

Ryanair is the only airline that has publically stated their intent to open a base, but did not want to do so as long as the opening hours where as strict as they where. The new legislation removes that burden, and allows two planes to be based later to be expanded to four.

Who the second airline will be to base planes at EIN is unknown. My best guess is VLM as Eindhoven is a large business city (Phillips, DAF trucks a bit further south). Also; Denim Air, the owner of VLM, is based at EIN as well so it would be logical. Other options include Transavia, KLM Cityhopper and of course the option that no second airline will base at EIN.

As for the routes, I do not know. I am hoping for Berlin.

And here’s Bombardier counter-statement to SAS’s statement that they would retire the dashes.

http://bombardier.com/en/0_0/pressleft.jsp?group=0_0&lan=en&action=view&mode=list&year=null&id=7924&sCateg=3_0

Bombardier Statement Regarding The Sas Decision On Its Q400 Aircraft Fleet
Toronto, October 28, 2007

Bombardier is disappointed with the SAS decision to permanently discontinue flight operations with the Bombardier Q400 aircraft given that the landing incident is still under investigation by Danish authorities.

While SAS chose to ground its Q400 turboprop fleet following the incident on October 27, 2007, Bombardier’s assessment of this situation, in consultation with Transport Canada, did not identify a systemic landing gear issue. Based on this we advised all Q400 aircraft operators that they should continue with normal Q400 aircraft flight operations. Further, Bombardier and the landing gear manufacturer, Goodrich, have completed a full review of the Q400 turboprop landing gear system and results have confirmed its safe design and operational integrity.

Bombardier stands behind the Q400 aircraft. Since entering revenue service in February 2000, the Q400 turboprop has proven itself to be a safe and reliable aircraft with over 150 Q400 aircraft in operation among 22 operators around the world. To date, the fleet of Q400 aircraft has logged over one million flying hours and 1.2 million take-off and landing cycles.

Interesting side-note I just remember. Last thursday I saw a ARJ-85 (SE-DJ*) next to the paint shop at Eindhoven. It had SAS colours, but no titles. Might be the answer to above question on what SAS will no do.

*edit*
someone at A.net mentioned that this plane is going to Transwede, not SAS Commuter. Photo here:
http://www.skyliner-aviation.de/showphotos.main?LC=nav2&SkyID=43e6baa7964bef8bacee5eaf6d28ba45

The thrid audio file on the website you linked to (the 17 min file) contains the audio file. The other two files are of some Finnish guy talking about it? I do not speak Finnish either so not sure what is going on there.

Since I do not speak Finnish I can’t tell if it is the full interview or just bits of it. It is not just Hitler though, also some high ranking Wehrmacht officers. For some parts there is quite a bit of background noise from the dinner.

-edited to add-
This is certainly not the full interview as the audio suddenly drops mid-sentence. Whether more is available but not online, or the rest has gone lost I do not know.

The 737 with dreamlinver livery. Is that a 739ER? The door layout is diffent then normally. Normally there are 4 exits per side but this one has an extra exit just aft of the wing.

Am I right that lately PIK has been getting a whole lot of An-225 flights? Photos of the beast seem to be uploaded here quite often lately. Any reason for that? (not that I mind, always great shots)