Airline Pilot Central Forums - Jet Fuel and Cargo Companies

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I think that Fred would burn ours to the ground before he'd sell 'em to UPS. Unless he could make a personal buck off of them, that is.

As I recall, when Fedex got rid of the first 727-100 in the mid 90's, they went to UPS. I think 25 left the property before they put a stop due to unexpected increases in business.:rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Browntail

That's funny, UPS is bringing more 727-100s into service later this year.

It's my understanding that we are pulling 727's out of the desert but only to replace others that are on their way out there. Seems the mx to return a jet to service from the desert is cheaper than some of the overhauls required on the jets currently in service. This is my understanding because that's what the dude at the mx center told me when we recently picked up a jet there which came from the desert.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryane946

If you look at the large cargo companies (FedEx, UPS, and DHL), they all have "antiquated" aircraft. Some of them include DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, and the 727. Major airlines replaced these jets 5,10,15 years ago for many reasons, but I have to believe that the economics of operating these aircraft were a big reason why they were replaced. Since these cargo companies are making money right now, it seems logical that now would be a good time to invest and replace these aircraft with ones that are cheaper to operate, and have a more useful cargo load.

What do you think about this? Why haven't these been replaced even as jet fuel skyrockets? Should they or shouldn't they be replaced?
Thanks for your opinions.

You mean like brand new 747-400s and A-380s?? As far as I know, UPS and FedEx are the only US customers for the 380. UPS also just announced that we are acquiring 6 more MD-11s and 2 more 747 conversions. It sounds to me like you may be confusing prestige with airplanes. Boxes do not care what kind of plane they fly in while airline pax may. Also, don't assume that old airplanes are not worth keeping around--ever heard of the B-52 or KC-135?