I just read an interesting article recently and it dealt with the issue of operating the less fuel efficient aircraft types. Specifically, it talked about the high costs associated with aircraft such as DC-10's, 747-200's, and 727's. Anyways, it made me wonder if there might not be some kind of consolidation among the contractor carrrers.

It seems like a catch-22 for some of these outfits. It's expensive to operate these older aircraft, but it is also very expensive to purchase newer, more fuel efficient aircraft. Either way there is money to be lost. And with a lot of contract work being harder to find, who is willing to invest a lot of money into it?