Replacing the 727 at FedEx

[flyboyike]

Super efficient model. FedEx has 48 firm orders with options for 96 additional.

http://www.atamaii.com/caillou-030902a.html

Why don't they consider the Tu-204F with RB211s and a Rockwell-Collins flight deck? Oh and Russian, check your PMs.

 

[capt. megadeth]

Quick question.....with all the hiring lately at FedEx has anyone brought up the possible overstaffing that may come up if FedEx gets rid of the 727 and replaces it with a 2 man airplane? Just curious if it is a concern. Thanks.

 

[time builder]

I've seen Ameristar run cargo in 737's, and they had to drop 10,000 lbs. out of the center fuel tank capacity. They just don't hold nearly as much weight as the 727's.
My bet is that we see more regional hubs taking A300's and DC10's, the other cities will be connected by ATR flights from the regional hubs.

 

[pipejockey]

Can anyone tell me who will be operating these new t-props for fedex?

 

[Ill Mitch]

Can anyone tell me who will be operating these new t-props for fedex?

Dunno, but you do your sim at Playskool.

 

[hydroflyer]

Can anyone tell me who will be operating these new t-props for fedex?

I know of Empire and Mountain Air Cargo.

 

[PurpleInMEM]

From the propaganda DVD the company sent out a month or so ago...

737's and 757's are the 'logical' choice replacements, but the company only averages 2 flight hours a day on the 727 so at this point there is no reason to park them. The -100's are gone as of the summer of 2007 but as far as the -200's are concerned there are no overriding reasons to park them yet. On the horizon the Stage 4 noise requirement is showing its ugly head as are the emission standards. Ultimately one or both of these things will cause the demise of the Boeing. The video even mentioned the investigation of a re-engine option.

Personally I hope they keep 'em as long as possible; I'd love to pull gear on them until I retire. Nice airplane, simple, fast, easy to operate AND it employs a third pilot. Nothing better than telling ATC that you're 'slant alpha'.

 

[TheBaron]

From the propaganda DVD the company sent out a month or so ago...

Would that be the same DVD they sent out around Christmas labeled 'Electronic Flight Bag"? I guess time does fly when you're having fun.
Seems they also said the 727 would be here at least through 2012...or maybe I dreamed that.

 

[PurpleInMEM]

Would that be the same DVD they sent out around Christmas labeled 'Electronic Flight Bag"? I guess time does fly when you're having fun.
Seems they also said the 727 would be here at least through 2012...or maybe I dreamed that.

Time flies at this place even if you aren't having fun. Yeah I guess it was around Christmas, I just didn't watch it until recently...mainly because it said Electronic Flight Bag on it.

I think the 2012 thing is correct, but I think they'll keep the airframes longer if they can. No reason to get rid of them. Well that is until the Boeing or Airbus lobby convinces the government that they're too loud or too smokey!

 

[Capt1124]

I'm far from an expert on their business but I don't think Fedex will have much need to replace the 727s for some time. They were paid off a long time ago and a lot of these planes fly less than 4 hours a day, so the operating efficiencies of a new plane don't have the same value they do with a passenger operation that flies 12 hours a day.

Interesting comment about the 737 center fuel tank limitation. The 727 floor load limits went away after a couple of years of the feds wanting to reduce them to 3000# per position. I'll bet Fred's pull in DC had a lot to do with that.