...MD80's could certainly help EAC with leasing, chartering etc, as these a/c are a rarity in the European market now. They burn fuel though, so the advantage is ownership costs/cheap lease rates.
I reckon it would be wise if they go for around 4 MD-87 and 4 MD83's.
Perhaps they could replace their B747's wiht MD-11's. Then again the cost of parts, training and maintenance for an entire new fleet would place this idea in the 'fantasy' realm.
umm.