Originally Posted by
MatthewAMEL
DAL is using them to replace DC-9s! Pretty much anything would be more economical to operate. The 717's cut CASM in half for DAL (compared to the DC-9), while SWA can operate a 737-800 for roughly the same cost.
I thought the MD-90 was replacing the DC-9. DAL has been putting MD-90s into service as the DC-9s are parked. The last MD-90 arrives in 2013, which will probably coincide with the last DC-9 leaving. The 717s, all 88, don't start arriving until mid 2013, with most coming in 2014/15.