AA MD-80's

[Ari707]

I'm sure its been discussed before but now that AA's MD are getting older I keep hearing talk of finally replacing them, what would the candidates be? 737-600? A-318, are there any others???

[Matt Molnar]

Bloomberg story from Saturday:

American eyes major Boeing deal

American Airlines will consider Boeing 737-800s to replace its fleet of 300 MD-80 jets and expects an announcement "in the near future," Chief Financial Officer Tom Horton said.

American, the world's largest carrier, would be able to get planes such as the 737-800 in 15 to 18 months, Horton told analysts at a conference hosted by the airline at its Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters.

An MD-80 replacement is vital because the jets burn at least 20 percent more jet fuel than new 737s, Horton said.

The airline also can't wait until next decade for a new generation of narrow-body planes before starting to retire the aging MD-80s, its most-numerous aircraft type, he said.

American already has 77 737-800s in its fleet of 672 large jets.

[T-Bird76]

The MD's are going to be around for sometime, AA just anounced plan to replace the engine blades of all the MD-80s in their fleet. The program will help reduce fuel and save AA some bucks. AA isn't in the position to replace their entire fleet of MD-80s right now. They have a 16 billion dollar debt load and new aircraft are costly. I'd wager to say the MD's will stay until a replacement for the 737 comes out.

[mirrodie]

I'm surprised they haven't looked at the 787 over the 737

[nwafan20]

787's instead of 737's? That is a bit of a leap.... They need narrowbodies, not mid-range airliners.

I put my money on them buying a moderate amount of 737's and waiting for the 737 replacement to come out to finish their order.

[Ari707]

787 to replace the 767's.... not md'80 but would the 737-600 seat about the same at an MD?

[nwafan20]

I'm surprised they haven't looked at the 787 over the 737

I was under the impression mirrodie was calling for the 787 to replace the 737.

A 736 would probably work, but I think they are going to opt for the 738 since it is already in their fleet.

[hiss srq]

To answer all question here. AA will not be replaceing most of it's 767-3400 fleet for some time. Like in the range of about 10 plus years as they only received their final 763 delivery in the early 2000's or so. As for the 787 though, it will be in their fleet no doubt as a 762 and 757 replacement as well as the A-300. As for the MD's. Well they will be around for a while as Aprey has been quite public of his intent to hang on with those untill the 737RS comes along which looks to be in the next 5 years or so as far as development going in to full swing is concerned.

[nwafan20]

What will AA do with the 787's paint wise since the 787 will be composite?

[hiss srq]

That I cannot answer.

[PhilDernerJr]

787 to replace the 767's.... not md'80 but would the 737-600 seat about the same at an MD?

Are there any -600s even available? Didn't they stop making them? Do you mena 800s?

[FlyingColors]

I say replace the entire fleet with MD-11s. :P

[T-Bird76]

787 to replace the 767's.... not md'80 but would the 737-600 seat about the same at an MD?

Are there any -600s even available? Didn't they stop making them? Do you mena 800s?

No the 600s are still in production as they are Next Generation 737s. Westjet has them on order.

The 600 does not sit near the same capacity of the MD-80. The 600 seats only about 120, the MD sits 140. They are ideal for mid to transcon routes that won't support a 700 or 800 series as the seating capacity is much higher. The 600 is terrible for short haul services since its heavy for its size.

[cancidas]

I say replace the entire fleet with MD-11s. :P

mike, i'm down for that!

seriously though, i think that they next generation 737 replacement will probably look a lot like and hopefully perform as well as the 787. the lessosn learned from the production and flight testing of the 787 will help make the 737-replacement a much more viable airframe, and hopefully as popular as the 737 is today. i do hope they change from the current body design is beautiful, a change would be nice. the best part of the 707, 727, 737 fuselage is the nose. it's just a perfect shape that definately has stood the test of time. all in all, i'm very anxious to see the 787 and next gen 737 replacements. very exciting time in aviation!