Just a visit to my local airport being Glasgow, shows the 757 thankfully is still a very common sight. Unfortunately it dosent seem to have been a high volume model for Boeing hence it was dropped, but it seems that those who operate it are struggling to find a suitable replacement. It does seem to be almost unique with its flexability. You can still see BA examples on the short Glasgow to Heathrow route along with Continental and US Airlines using it to the states, with Thomas Cook using it to Toronto. Then you have the mix of Thomsonfly, Monarch and Thomas Cook flights to all the holiday destinations in Europe and Africa. 737's and A321's won't do Glasgow to Egypt without a costly stop for more fuel or a heavy weight penalty. Not sure what will happen over the next few years with the long thin routes typical of European charter companies if no replacement is found. Neither Boeing or Airbus seem to recognise the void left since the 757 went out of production. The 787 seems more of a suitable replacement for the 767 rather than the 757. Maybe a long range version of the A321 is the answer if it can be done. Its a shame that when in production the 757 was so unappreciated, but now in its twilight years it is so sought after by European charter companys who make full use of its flexiblity. Ive seen articles from both Monarch and Thomas Cook who can't replace the 757 with anything in current production on certain routes. Hindsight is a great thing, maybe Boeing is now regretting not looking at a NG757? What ever happens I'm sure we will remember the 757 as a great unsung hero of the 80's, 90's and 00's.
