Originally Posted by md11pilot11

I agree with everything you have to say except 1 thing. The 777 is a much better aircraft. It also was a clean sheet design not based of something designed in the 1960s. I’m not trying to rationalize the safety record. I’m just trying to present some evidence on when people say they won’t get on one again. And trust me, I have that exact emotional reaction after this most recent accident. So I completely understand. I just wanted to point out some specifics.

The only thing I disagree with you on is that it was retired from pax use due to safety. It was retired due to its fuel consumption, lack of range, excessive MX costs, and suitable competitor aircraft that performed better (777 and A330). Multiple major Us and EU airlines operated the type for over 10 years in the US and 20 years in Europe without any “major” incidents. The MD11 was built 10 years too late and is a design of the past. While the 777 in some cases can be considered the best widebody aircraft ever built.