Delta replacing 50 seater RJs with MD90s

[Flyer1015]

Delta acquires more MD-90s from Japan Air Lines
April 18, 2012​

Delta has acquired seven more MD-90 aircraft from Japan Air Lines, as it continues to replace older, less-efficient planes in its fleet with more flexible, cost-efficient models. These seven MD-90s are in addition to nine MD-90s that were purchased from JAL last year. ​

The aircraft will be delivered between October 2012 and March 2013, and all will enter service by the end of 2013. The planes will be added on a capacity-neutral basis, replacing less-efficient mainline and regional aircraft, including 50-seat regional jets.
Delta has purchased 49 MD-90s during the past three years, and will have a fleet of 65 of the aircraft once all are delivered. All the aircraft undergo extensive modifications before entering service, including refurbishing and upgrading the passenger cabins to match Delta’ domestic fleet. ​

“Our latest MD-90 acquisitions continue our strategy of deploying the most efficient aircraft to specific routes whenever possible,” said Nat Pieper, v.p.-Fleet Strategy and Transactions. “That helps Delta succeed despite high fuel prices and the uncertain economy.” ​

That strategy will continue next year, when Delta will begin accepting deliveries of new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, which will be used on domestic routes.​

Anyone know exactly how many will be removed?​

 

[Freebrd]

Anyone know exactly how many will be removed?​

sure, ask OysYoYO/Jenny Leigh, she'll tell ya all about it

 

[Max Q]

Unless you've been living under a rock, this was to be expected.

 

[KNOTS]

Two observations:

This is only 7 aircraft

Article says "replacing mainline and regional aircraft" but doesn't give any numbers

 

[On Your Six]

Two observations:

This is only 7 aircraft

Article says "replacing mainline and regional aircraft" but doesn't give any numbers

DL is also keeping the DC9s through the end of next year (was supposed to dump them already), and there are rumors that Delta will get the 717s from SWA as they come off lease, or very cheap A319s that are coming off lease from Airbus. All of those could replace 50 seaters. Instead of 6 CRJ-50 flights per day, you could replace them with a couple MD90s or some A319/717s. The 50 seaters just don't have the economics to stay viable with very high oil prices.

BTW, the additional 7 MD90s brings the total to 65 I believe. And, the board of directors supposedly gave the OK to buy all of them out there. (I think 125 total were built?) There are 29 in Saudi Arabia, but they were left out in the dust, so it may take more time to get them fixed or refurbished. (although one was just flown to Roswell, NM----so we'll see if that could be included someday)



Godspeed!


The OYSter

 

[Kaman]

This all makes a lot of sense in the final analysis, it is going to be economics that drive the industry. And, not providing "seemless" jet service to the consumer. Ultimately, the mythical pilot shortage is going to solved through consolidation and NOT more pilot jobs. There is still going to be multiple applicants for the relatively few mainline jobs. As an aside, the MD-90 is a very nice airplane...jumpseated on one yesterday. Delta has the "dumbed" down version that is more akin to their MD-80 cockpit, unlike the all glass version that was also available when they were introduced. More like a 717 set-up. Anyway, I hope that everyone lands on their feet with a job when the dust settles from all this chaos that is the airline business.

 

[Freebrd]

All of those could replace 50 seaters.

and ALL of those (md90s), and more, will replace the DAL 9s eventually

 

[ASA_Aviator]

Seemless isn't a word.

 

[Raskal]

Seemless isn't a word.

sew it would seam

 

[filejw]

150 50 seat a/c is the right number for Delta system we have been told.