Delta to Upgrade MD-88 and MD-90 Fleet With Enhanced Navigation and Flight Management
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Delta to Upgrade MD-88 and MD-90 Fleet With Enhanced Navigation and Flight Management
This is huge news. I've read this on other boards but up until today, it was not announced to the public. 2030 active service, anyone? 
Delta to Upgrade MD-88 and MD-90 Fleet With Enhanced Navigation and Flight Management... -- ATLANTA, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
ATLANTA, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will outfit its fleet of 182 MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft as well as several flight simulators with standardized, state-of-the-art glass cockpits and GPS navigation that will improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and position the airline to take advantage of procedural improvements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System.
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The enhanced avionics suite, developed by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISSC), will allow the aircraft to fly shorter flight paths and take advantage of continuous-descent, Required Navigation Performance (RNAV) approaches to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise levels — a primary objective of NextGen. The addition of GPS capabilities as well as the incorporation of Data Link and ADS-B will allow pilots to fly safer as the three systems aid flight crews in identifying nearby air traffic, weather and terrain on flat panel displays in the cockpit.
Due to the lighter weight of the new equipment, Delta will see an immediate improvement in fuel economy while long-lasting benefits from the new flight decks include reductions in CO2 emissions by 80 million pounds annually and a 50 percent decrease in the aircraft noise footprint once NextGen procedures are fully implemented. The standardized flight decks will improve situational awareness for flight crews and are expected to increase operational flexibility, simplify maintenance and improve dispatch and on-time reliability.
"In addition to deploying technology enhancements, Delta continues to work closely with the FAA as it advances NextGen procedures — many of which are being developed at key hub airports," said Steve Dickson, Delta's senior vice president-Flight Operations. "Delta continues to invest in NextGen and looks forward to the FAA's continued progress in systemwide implementation of these improvements, especially at these key hubs, which promise to deliver real savings as well as safety and efficiency enhancements.
"The cockpit upgrades also build on Delta's commitment to give our flight crews the advanced technology tools they need to perform their job safely and efficiently for our customers."
Installation of the enhanced flight deck technology across the MD-88 and MD-90 fleet is slated to begin in early 2014 and will be completed by IS&S technicians at Delta TechOps facilities. The process is expected to take approximately two years.
"We are delighted Delta has chosen Innovative Solutions and Support to upgrade its MD-88/-90 fleet," said Shahram Askarpour, president – Innovative Solutions & Support. "The equipment provides cost-effective solutions for upgrading legacy avionics platforms with state-of-the-art technology and brings NextGen capabilities to mature air-transport aircraft."
Delta continues to enhance technology across its fleet — including updates to nearly all Airbus and Boeing aircraft — aimed at taking advantage of the performance and efficiency improvements that will be realized once the FAA fully implements the NextGen system.
Significant reductions in environmental impact, both in noise and emissions, as a result of these improvements, are part of Delta's continued social responsibility efforts. The airline has improved overall fuel-efficiency by an average of 1.7 percent from 2009 to 2012, exceeding goals set by the International Air Transportation Association. Since 2005, Delta has reduced its annual aircraft greenhouse gas emissions by 8.4 million metric tons, an 18.5 percent reduction.
Delta to Upgrade MD-88 and MD-90 Fleet With Enhanced Navigation and Flight Management... -- ATLANTA, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
ATLANTA, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will outfit its fleet of 182 MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft as well as several flight simulators with standardized, state-of-the-art glass cockpits and GPS navigation that will improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and position the airline to take advantage of procedural improvements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System.
(Logo: Login )
The enhanced avionics suite, developed by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISSC), will allow the aircraft to fly shorter flight paths and take advantage of continuous-descent, Required Navigation Performance (RNAV) approaches to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise levels — a primary objective of NextGen. The addition of GPS capabilities as well as the incorporation of Data Link and ADS-B will allow pilots to fly safer as the three systems aid flight crews in identifying nearby air traffic, weather and terrain on flat panel displays in the cockpit.
Due to the lighter weight of the new equipment, Delta will see an immediate improvement in fuel economy while long-lasting benefits from the new flight decks include reductions in CO2 emissions by 80 million pounds annually and a 50 percent decrease in the aircraft noise footprint once NextGen procedures are fully implemented. The standardized flight decks will improve situational awareness for flight crews and are expected to increase operational flexibility, simplify maintenance and improve dispatch and on-time reliability.
"In addition to deploying technology enhancements, Delta continues to work closely with the FAA as it advances NextGen procedures — many of which are being developed at key hub airports," said Steve Dickson, Delta's senior vice president-Flight Operations. "Delta continues to invest in NextGen and looks forward to the FAA's continued progress in systemwide implementation of these improvements, especially at these key hubs, which promise to deliver real savings as well as safety and efficiency enhancements.
"The cockpit upgrades also build on Delta's commitment to give our flight crews the advanced technology tools they need to perform their job safely and efficiently for our customers."
Installation of the enhanced flight deck technology across the MD-88 and MD-90 fleet is slated to begin in early 2014 and will be completed by IS&S technicians at Delta TechOps facilities. The process is expected to take approximately two years.
"We are delighted Delta has chosen Innovative Solutions and Support to upgrade its MD-88/-90 fleet," said Shahram Askarpour, president – Innovative Solutions & Support. "The equipment provides cost-effective solutions for upgrading legacy avionics platforms with state-of-the-art technology and brings NextGen capabilities to mature air-transport aircraft."
Delta continues to enhance technology across its fleet — including updates to nearly all Airbus and Boeing aircraft — aimed at taking advantage of the performance and efficiency improvements that will be realized once the FAA fully implements the NextGen system.
Significant reductions in environmental impact, both in noise and emissions, as a result of these improvements, are part of Delta's continued social responsibility efforts. The airline has improved overall fuel-efficiency by an average of 1.7 percent from 2009 to 2012, exceeding goals set by the International Air Transportation Association. Since 2005, Delta has reduced its annual aircraft greenhouse gas emissions by 8.4 million metric tons, an 18.5 percent reduction.
Interesting news. But not so sure about the IS&S thingys. Our fleet of 757s has been retrofitted with the IS&S flat panels. And the concensus of the pilots group is that the displays are crap. Poor programming and layout.
I know American went for the IS&S displays on 757/767s, does Delta have them to?
I know American went for the IS&S displays on 757/767s, does Delta have them to?
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That's a good question; I honestly do not know. With the MD80/90 package being a more recent development, hopefully some of the 757 bugs have been worked out.
Here is a picture from the company site:
Innovative Solutions & Support | Platforms and Systems
Here is a picture from the company site:
Innovative Solutions & Support | Platforms and Systems
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Can't beleive they are upgrading these old tubs instead of replacing them -they are really grim (especially when full)
tells you more about the state of their finances than anything else I guess
tells you more about the state of their finances than anything else I guess
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Is the IS&S system a whole different system, or just flat-panel LCD/TFT to replace the old glass CRT tube screens?
I guess they need to upgrade some of the actual avionics to comply with all the new FAA requirements.
I agree that the MD88 is not great (really long, old engines) but the MD90 has the IAE engines, so surely some service life left in it, right?
I guess they need to upgrade some of the actual avionics to comply with all the new FAA requirements.
I agree that the MD88 is not great (really long, old engines) but the MD90 has the IAE engines, so surely some service life left in it, right?
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tells you more about the state of their finances than anything else I guess
DL is in great financial shape currently and has consecutively posted the highest profits when compared to UA/US/AA.
The reason they are upgrading the MD88/90 is simple. They are all paid for. So although the fuel consumption is higher than a -700/800 they are not paying 300k-500k per month in lease costs (per aircraft).
That saves tons of cash, which in turn means more money for investments and gas...
Furthermore, they will soon be receiving the first of 100 -900ERs and already have 10 -700s, 73 -800s, 56 A319s, 69 A320s, and soon to be 88 717s.
Definitely a different approach to fleet planning.
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the -90 are fuel efficient.
But the 88 no. But if you use the 88 for short flights, 1 hr o similar the difference between fuel burn to a modern aircraft is not that big. You can probably compensate that extra cost with the fact that you don't pay leasing.
But the 88 no. But if you use the 88 for short flights, 1 hr o similar the difference between fuel burn to a modern aircraft is not that big. You can probably compensate that extra cost with the fact that you don't pay leasing.
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Why is this huge news??
Because without this mod, the MD-80 fleet would become extinct in 5 years, as we know it. (Not counting 3rd world countries).
Seriously. This mod solidifies the longevity of McDonnell Douglas narrowbodies in America, which otherwise would continue to diminish. Think about this: You are not that far from truly ONLY seeing 737s and A320s in your domestic terminals...is that what you want? (save the RJs and decreasing 757s.)
Lastly, think from a historical perspective when considering the 75 year history of Douglas...
To anyone who appreciates history, nostalgia, Douglas or the MD twin design, this could not be better news.
Because without this mod, the MD-80 fleet would become extinct in 5 years, as we know it. (Not counting 3rd world countries).
Seriously. This mod solidifies the longevity of McDonnell Douglas narrowbodies in America, which otherwise would continue to diminish. Think about this: You are not that far from truly ONLY seeing 737s and A320s in your domestic terminals...is that what you want? (save the RJs and decreasing 757s.)
Lastly, think from a historical perspective when considering the 75 year history of Douglas...
To anyone who appreciates history, nostalgia, Douglas or the MD twin design, this could not be better news.
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7Q Off -
In fact, the MD88 can operate profitability, especially on flights under 1,000 NM.
Relative fuel efficiency, or lack thereof, is insignificant when weighed against the fact that the majority of the fleet is paid-off in full and the other 40% leased at basement rates. Factor in economies-of-scale and A+ internal support infrastructure and expertise, and suddenly it becomes a little more clear.
In fact, the MD88 can operate profitability, especially on flights under 1,000 NM.
Relative fuel efficiency, or lack thereof, is insignificant when weighed against the fact that the majority of the fleet is paid-off in full and the other 40% leased at basement rates. Factor in economies-of-scale and A+ internal support infrastructure and expertise, and suddenly it becomes a little more clear.
Last edited by 732Red; 5th Apr 2013 at 03:57.
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Booglebox -
Reportedly, the avg number of cycles for DL's MD90 fleet is only in the 20k ballpark figure. (Some 2nd hand frames as low as 15k) The MD90 is approved for 60k cycles. That would suggest that at 13-18 years old, the fleet is 1/3 through their useful lives (give or take). Potentially another 20 years.
The MD88 could have 10+ years of useful service life; assuming DL decide to keep it operating that long.
Reportedly, the avg number of cycles for DL's MD90 fleet is only in the 20k ballpark figure. (Some 2nd hand frames as low as 15k) The MD90 is approved for 60k cycles. That would suggest that at 13-18 years old, the fleet is 1/3 through their useful lives (give or take). Potentially another 20 years.
The MD88 could have 10+ years of useful service life; assuming DL decide to keep it operating that long.
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No mention then of a possible engine retrofit. It would seem logical to pursue the chance of a 30-40% reduction in fuel burn on airframes with so many cycles/hours left.
Some years ago there was speculation of the RB 715 and Pratt PW6000 as potential candidates. The PW weighing in quite close to the original weight of the JT8D-219 and less than the RB 715 but with higher max thrust.
Some years ago there was speculation of the RB 715 and Pratt PW6000 as potential candidates. The PW weighing in quite close to the original weight of the JT8D-219 and less than the RB 715 but with higher max thrust.
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Lousy displays, as those of you who've flown with them seem to agree. I have no idea, having never dealt with them.
However, this saved the aforementioned couple of million $ per year in fuel and reduces maintenance costs and failure rates, which speeding unscheduled repair when needed.
All these aircraft, as was said, have lots of cycles left and operate in short-haul environments where fuel burn is much less a factor than is dispatch reliability and low capital cost.
Delta does march to a different drummer from a fleet perspective. So, far, it works exceedingly well. They're consistently making money where other mainline carriers struggle. The 717's are an excellent case in point, as is this decision.
However, this saved the aforementioned couple of million $ per year in fuel and reduces maintenance costs and failure rates, which speeding unscheduled repair when needed.
All these aircraft, as was said, have lots of cycles left and operate in short-haul environments where fuel burn is much less a factor than is dispatch reliability and low capital cost.
Delta does march to a different drummer from a fleet perspective. So, far, it works exceedingly well. They're consistently making money where other mainline carriers struggle. The 717's are an excellent case in point, as is this decision.
