Originally Posted by
CVG767A
Not to rain on the parade, but I recall, in years past, Delta proclaiming to be "the world's largest operator of the A310". A couple of years later they were all gone.
That being said, I welcome any additional mainline airframes showing up on our doorstep. The MD90 will be a great stopgap, until Boeing builds it's nexgen narrowbody.
Well I don't know the history of the A310's, but the MD90 is a cheap aquisition and is the most efficient narrowbody in the combined DAL/NWA fleet. With domestic currently being king, and DALs newly aquired hubs it seems the MD90 will have the fit that was intended when they were first bought. MSP is a nice feed point for either coast, and the MD90 can reach both sides of the country from there.
I agree that the MD90 will provide a nice stopgap until Boeing builds it's nexgen narrowbody, but to be honest we may not wait that long. If Bombardier can get a nice C Series jet out there we may see them get the order first. Boeing is a loooong way from making any kind of new narrowbody.
I also think the cheap price tag combined with the efficiency of the MD90 will allow us to fly it half full and still make $$$.
Just some of my thoughts, of which I'm sure none are correct!
