ex-Reno Air MD-90's

[Delta727-232]

The next question is: What are the going to do with the ex-Reno Air MD-90's?? DL has already showed uninterest in them (which is surprising considering that a lot of their short-range domestic fleet are MD-88's, and a few MD-90's, so it would be practical for maintenance purposes). These aircraft are still in great condition, but theyre sitting out on the tarmac, and no one wants them. I think they would be prime aircraft (and probably very cheap to buy/lease) for a smaller major domestic airline namely HP, or even Ryan Air to do the work of their aging 737-200's. I know this topic has brought up a lot of questions and great thoughts comments, and maybe you would be interested in contributing your thoughts about it.......

[Midnight Mike]

Every airline or start-up airline has taken a hard look at picking
up those MD90's sitting in the desert. I know that Vanguard airlines (Hooters) was window shopping and I believe National airlines was also taking a look at the MD90's until they were turned down for the Federal approved home loan.


Midnight Mike

[Torquelink]

The problem is there are so many "mainstream" n.b. aircraft (i.e. B737-300s, B737-400s, B737-700s, A320s etc) available which start-ups/others can pick up so cheaply that nobody wants "oddballs" even though they may represent great value. With the mainstream types you can find qualified crews, maintainers plus spares etc much more readily. There are a number of oddball types in the same predicament as the MD90 e.g. the Fokker 100 which is a modern technology, economical 100+seater but, within a year or so, more than half the world fleet will be parked. Should be a great opportunity for a really low cost start-up but the chances are that most of these aircraft - many of which are less than 10 years old - will never fly again. Too many aircraft chasing too few opportunities unfortunately.

[md80forum]

Scandinavian SAS will take the five ex-Reno Air MD-90's plus three ex-Egyptian AMC aircraft from various Boeing subsidiaries in exchange for sixteen outgoing MD-80 aircraft. The transfer will be completed by late Summer 2003. We are monitoring this development at my website dedicated to MD-80.

All SAS MD-80 pilots will be qualified for MD-90 as well.

Jan-Erik