Originally Posted by
forgot to bid
Looks to me the other reason we went cs100 is that with 321s the two combine as an 88 replacement. Shooting from the hip on that assumption but the older 320s are going to need to go soon too.
Management could be blowing smoke but again they have stated over and over that they needed 50 additional airframes along with the 19 E190's to up guage regional flying over the next 4 years. They also stated they might retire up to 30 MD88's prior to the 2020 mandate if the right deal presented itself for a replacement. Sounds like they are doing exactly what they stated. Note the press release on the new Airbus order clearly states they are MD88 replacement aircraft.
The new Airbus orders will finish deliveries in 2019 and will be added into the current A321 delivery schedule. Good news as it happens quickly and is a nice raise over the 88.