The system is back! Sorry for the delay everyone.
Farewell to Alaska’s MD-80
Yesterday, Alaska Airlines retired its final MD-80s. These MD-80s have been particularly storied and quite tragic. Tales of jackscrews and lax maintenance marked the later years of these aircraft, though more broadly its the beginning of the end for US operation of the thirsty narrow body. Delta and American can’t be far behind.
All Eyes on Boeing
The negotiations are in full swing at the Doubletree at SeaTac between Boeing and the IAM. About 50% of the contract is nailed down, 50% still in dispute. 11 days to go.
Got wings?
Wings for Dreamliner Five arrived in Everett on Saturday. They were flown through Fairbanks, AK instead of the usual Anchorage. Probably won’t see fuselage sections arriving until just before Dreamliner One is ready to roll off the line.
CRJ1000 First Flight
I’m stumped on this one. July 11:
First flight will occur “very soon”, assures a Bombardier spokesman from London,
where the airframer’s executives are currently
preparing for the Farnborough air show next week.
Anyone know what’s up?
Tanker Madness
The Air Force final RFP should be out soon (this week or next probably). If Boeing gets more time to offer a larger aircraft (767-400ER or 777) does Airbus jump ahead and either convert the KC-30 from the A330-200 (Passenger) to the A330-200F or one step further to launch the A330-300F? Speculation courtesy of Steve Trimble.
United Untied
I try not to let airlines keep me up at night, but United has been bugging me. Undercutting your premium product is NOT the way to save your airline. It’s really one of the only reliable revenue streams an airline has. I wanted to throw this one in your court: how would you save United? Does United even need saving?
A380 Production Update
Later this week I’ll be posting updates on A380 production to give a rundown on the remaining 2008 deliveries.
This post was originally published to the internet between 2007 and 2012. Links, images, and embedded media from that era may no longer function as intended.
This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.