MGM Grand, please enlighten me.

[mirrodie]

I remember, sometime in the late 80s to early 90s there was MGM Grand.

It seemed really rich, really opulent, from the look of the commercials. In fact, their planes looked really dolled up on the inside.

(isnt Trumps 727 an ex MGM Grand plane)


Anyway, what was their product and service like compared to todays premium transAtlantic carriers like EOS, and Maxjet?

How long did they last?

[hiss srq]

They were great from what I know I think they had 727-100's and DC-8's if memory serves correct. I know a few people who had the chance to fly aboard their airplanes.

[Midnight Mike]

Mario

One of my Instructors used to be the Chief Pilot / VP of Flight Operations for MGM, what questions did you want to ask?

[Art at ISP]

MGM Grand was an all premium class airline-I believe the 727-100's held 34 passengers. I think they only flew JFK-LAX, and there was always a tremendous demand, although the fares were at least that of F class.

Later on they had 3 DC8-62's in a similar configuration, but they went out of business shortly thereafter.

This is all if memory serves me correctly--I am old you know.

[mirrodie]

what was their product and service like compared to todays premium transAtlantic carriers like EOS, and Maxjet?

I had no idea they flew the dc8, I though it was a 727 fleet only

what ran them out of business?

I guess it all came to mind since we are seeing the new premium carriers like eos and maxjet with more to come

[Matt Molnar]

Yay for four day weekends! I did some (not very thorough but better than nothing) research.

MGM Grand Air was launched by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian in 1987 to expand his MGM brand, which consisted of the famous movie studios and Las Vegas hotels. They operated scheduled service on three routes: JFK-LAS, JFK-LAX and LAX-LAS, from 1987 to 1994. The 727s had 34 seats, the DC-8s had 70 seats. They also offered charter service. They lost profitability after most of their target market -- really rich guys -- jumped on the emerging bizjet bandwagon. They discontinued scheduled service and only provided charters, but gave it a second shot in 1994. Roundtrip unrestricted fares during the '94 combeback, according to a NY Times article, were $2,846 for JFK-LAX, $2,084 for JFK-LAS, and $364 for LAS-LAX. After their second shot failed, they sold off their assets to a Minnesota tour operator, now known as Champion Air, which still exists.

Timetable/pamphlet circa 1992:
http://www.airchive.com/SITE%20PAGES/TI ... S-MGM.html (http://www.airchive.com/SITE%20PAGES/TIMETABLES-MGM.html)

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champion_Air

NY Times Travel blurb from 1994:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.h ... A962958260 (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9F05E5DF1139F93BA1575BC0A962958260)

[LGA777]

Okay Mario here is my unofficial MGM Grand Trip Report !

I was very fortunate to fly on two of MGM Grands last two flights, a quick JFK-LAX-JFK roundtrip on a DC-8-62 just to experience the service, I think I arrived LAX around 2230 and left at 0800 the next morning. The DC-8 had two classes. The front half of the aircraft was "Grand Class" and was like being on a pimped out corporate DC-8, mid-cabin where two private compartments similar to an old Railroad Pullman Sleeper with opposite facing seats that (I believe) made into berths and could be closed off for Privacy. The rest of Grand Class had a large stand up bar and sofa's and luxurious front and rear facing seats. The MGM lion logo was displayed in Gold in several parts of the cabin. The second half of the aircraft was "First Class" something like around 50 leather seats in a 2-2 configuration. I got to sample both products in the order I preferred. They had a large and Luxurious lounge in the old Terminal 1 at JFK (EAL version) which included a pianist playing a white Grand Piano, total CLASS ! Going out I was in Grand Class along with mostly Hollywood and Music executive types. My friend and I sat in two forward facing seats over the wing and two Capital Records VP's sat opposite us in rear facing seats. They had had a ruff week in NYC and we all four hit off so we partied in style to LA. Champagne was the beverage of choice and was served by Tuxedo clad Flight Attendants who served with white gloves and a white towel over their arms. When it was time for Dinner a full table that all 4 of us could dine on folded out from a compartment in the sidewall below the windows. A full tablecloth was placed on the table and the Glassware, china, and cuisine was all top shelf. I do not remember what I ate but I have the menu and some other souvenirs buried in storage. I do remember it was the best meal I had ever had on an airplane and nothing has since topped it but First Class on a US 330 PHL-MAN back when it was 3 class service comes in a close second. I might have gotten Grand Class both ways since I was on a free pass but for the return the NBA's LA Clippers had reserved the entire Grand Class cabin. First Class was nice, a nice Brunch was served and the seats where plush (for back then) with good legroom. This product might be on a par with MaxJet and what set this product apart from flying First on say AA and UA was the private lounges after check-in, the Tuxedo clad Flight Attendants and like MaxJet no coach passengers to deal with. Still a nice product but no comparison from the night before. I hope some of you enjoyed this, now if I could only find my souvenirs buried in storage.

Cheers

LGA777

[mikephotos]

Later on they had 3 DC8-62's in a similar configuration, but they went out of business shortly thereafter.

The 727-100's were confirmed in an all Grand Class First config while the DC-8-62's had 2 cabins, Grand Class First and Grand Class Coach. GCC was 2-2 config. All of my flights (can't even remember how many) were awesome. I worked there (Old T1 at JFK) from 90-93. Those were the days....

Here's one shot I uploaded a while back of GCC on the DC-8
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0213299/L/

Mike

[Tom_Turner]

I remember reading in one of the magazines (Airways or Airliners) two of the DC-8s, post MGM Grand, but in their colors, were chartered for a round the world trip - sponsored by National Geographic or similar.. these stops were extraordinary in thier choices..(not a shopping trip to Paris) remote locations/airports across the globe..

Tom

[mirrodie]

Great info guys and Ron, yes, love the TR, gave a great sense of what the product was all about.

Nice pic Mike, got any more?

[hiss srq]

I just did a little research and they actually also had a 757 for an extremely short time dolled up in their colors. I do not know if it ever made revenue service but there is at least one shot of it in full colors in storage at Las Vegas

[LGA777]

I saw the 757 parked on the ramp at the LAX Imperial terminal which is where MGM Grand operated. It looked great in their colors but I believe it was actually in an all coach configuration for charter work, Mike you can you add your memories about the 757 ?

Cheers

LGA777

[mikephotos]

Mario, I should have more prints laying around somewhere, I'll scan them and post.

Yes, MG had a 757 also but it was used for charters as mentioned and config accordingly. It was ex-Eastern I believe. I remember seeing pics prior to it being painted in MG livery and us getting it. I did flying revenue (but charter, not sked) service.

It was really great working for them. Had the time of my life. Met probably every celeb that was hot at the time. Worked a few Royal charters as well and those guys would hand out $100 bill tips like it water. Of course, we weren't really allowed to accept tips :)

Mike

[fly.mcs]

Also looks like they operated a Twin-Otter:

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0396712/L/

Caption says LAX-SNA

[fly.mcs]

I also found a picture of the 757, N701MG.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0077754/L/

I did some quick research, and N701MG was N507EA


http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1101287/L/

And now flies for MyTravel Airways as G-RJGR. Aircraft also operated with Airtours and Spanair.

[PhilDernerJr]

Great 757 shot from the late Frank Schaefer. good find, Michael.

Man, Bob Garrard's shots kick ass as always.

Could the service on a Twim Otter actually havebeen good?

[hiss srq]

I doubt it; I have been on a few twotters and they are not the smoothest flying bird on earth but boy do they pack a punch! MGM really had a classy color scheme to them.

[hiss srq]

Now that I am thinking back a little bit I can swear that I saw one of the formoer MGM 727's sitting on a remote ramp at CLT save for one of her engines perhaps parted out of Jack Roush who has apair of those beauties himself.

[LGA777]

All 3 of the former MGM Grand 727's are based at CLT and do fly for Roush Racing in most of their former scheme. It would be interesting to know if much of the interior is unchanged? Here is a recent photo compliments of our own Brian Futterman

http://www1.airliners.net/open.file/1108365/L/

The DC-8-62's survived but sadly became freighters, have to do some research if they are still flying, I think they might be !

Cheers

LGA777