The md80 is a FANTASTIC cargo plane for the smaller markets. I was flying a DC-9 freighter in Africa, and the MD would have been MUCH better, overall. Great range, decent fuel burn, good capacity, etc. It is MUCH better than a 737 freighter, and there are no other competitors in it's market segment.

About 70 -80s from Alitalia were sold to a South African company who is doing freighter conversions there.

cliff
HHN