KHI747 From Pakistan, joined Oct 2000, 1597 posts, RR: 1 Posted (3 years 3 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 13292 times:
There are 5 retired L1011 Tristar-200 available for sale from a single source.The aircrafts have been out of service for a number of years but only now the owners have decided to sell them.
A friend of mine is involved in the deal and is looking for a likely buyer/buyers for these planes.I was thinking maybe some charter operator in Africa (Nigeria) or South East Asia (Indonesia).
I need suggestions from fellow members here as to who and where these planes could be marketed.Which operators are still using the Tristar right now?
GARUDAROD From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 1459 posts, RR: 1 Reply 1, posted (3 years 3 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 13224 times:
There are some expensive Mods that are needed to bring those Tri-Stars back to operational
status, including on the Engines. There are few qualified crews around any more as well
as mechanics. Considering these planes were probably stored in a very hot, sandy area with out a lot of protection from the elements, very doubtful these birds will take to the skies again.
Aloha717200 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 4278 posts, RR: 19 Reply 2, posted (3 years 3 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 13177 times:
B6JFKH81 From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 2311 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (3 years 3 months 2 days ago) and read 13069 times:
I don't know how many L1011's there are left flying, but maybe there would be more money in scrapping the aircraft out (heaven forbid, right? ) to have the components available for after-market sales? I am sure the pool of spare parts is starting to run low and that some operators have had their personal pools diminish over time as units start getting deemed B.E.R. when they go out for repair. Just my
P.S.: I love the TriStars and lord knows if I had the money I would snatch one of these up in a heartbeat, so please don't think I am bashing these aircraft...I will always love them and the memories I have on flying on them!
~H81
"If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it"
TZTriStar500 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1331 posts, RR: 8 Reply 5, posted (3 years 3 months 2 days ago) and read 12936 times:
If these are the retired ex-Saudi aircraft, then good luck. There is virtually no market for used L-1011s even if they were airworthy for many reasons; spares, engines, aging aircraft issues, etc. If they have been out of service for an extended time, they are way behind on aging aircraft issues and engine work to even be able to register them in most countries. There is also very few that will even work on one, only about 3-4 companies worldwide.
35 years of American Trans Air/ATA Airlines, 1973-2008. A great little airline that will not be soon forgotten.
TrijetsRMissed From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 1795 posts, RR: 7 Reply 8, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 12730 times:
Unfortunately, the fact that these are not -500's, also lessens the likelyhood that anyone would be interested in investing money into them to return to the skies. Best bet is probably parting them out for one of the remaining operators, as said above.
HAJFlyer From Switzerland, joined Sep 2005, 1446 posts, RR: 11 Reply 9, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 12734 times:
Quoting KHI747 (Thread starter): I was thinking maybe some charter operator in Africa (Nigeria) or South East Asia (Indonesia).
I think scrap metal dealers would be a more attractive target segment. Â
Given the ample supply of L1011 on the market and the costly engine AD issue, their chances of ever flying again are indeed slim.
TheCheese From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 167 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 12614 times:
If the RAF doesn't want them, they will likely be scrapped.
For the amount of money it will cost to purchase and bring these magnificent old birds up to current standards, someone could purchase about the same number of newer, parked widebodies without all the maintenance and parts availability issues.
LN-MOW From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 1862 posts, RR: 18 Reply 12, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 12470 times:
Quoting GARUDAROD (Reply 1): There are some expensive Mods that are needed to bring those Tri-Stars back to operational
status, including on the Engines.
I beleive this only is for US ops, so if someone in Africa or Asia take them, this will not be an issue. These mods was the reason why ATA pulled N194AT from service, and this a/c now flies hadj-charters for some Middle Eastern outfit.
That being said, there is no shortage of used widebody aircraft these days, so I don't really see any motivation to breing these 'back to life'.
474218 From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 6340 posts, RR: 9 Reply 13, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 12389 times:
If these are the Saudia -200's the majority of the aging aircraft structural mods, wing rear spars, 1363 bulkhead, etc were complied with before they were parked.
Since these are L-1011-200's they are equipped with RB211-524 engines and while there are engine modifications required, Rolls does supply the kits (unlike the RB-211-22B engines).
However, these aircraft have been stored for almost nine (9) years with little or no attention so getting them back in airworthy condition would take quite a bit of work and money.
TrijetsRMissed From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 1795 posts, RR: 7 Reply 15, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 12050 times:
Quoting 764flyer (Reply 14): How cool would it be to see those babies painted in DL colors and sent across the atlantic. A guy can dream can't he?
Ironically, you're beloved 764 is what changed this from reality to dream.
DeltaL1011man From United States of America, joined Sep 2005, 7454 posts, RR: 8 Reply 16, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 11991 times:
Quoting 764flyer (Reply 14): How cool would it be to see those babies painted in DL colors and sent across the atlantic. A guy can dream can't he?
Only if they put them in the real widget........the burning widget would just be a disgrace to the best airplane ever.
Af773atmsp From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 2489 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 11930 times:
If I had the money I would buy one. I probably wouldn't try to make it airworthy but keep it at MSP and paint it in a special paint scheme.
Even if TZ was still flying they would be retiring them with DC-10s from NW. It is very sad to see an old jet go.
TZTriStar500 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1331 posts, RR: 8 Reply 18, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 11728 times:
Divemaster08 From Cayman Islands, joined Jul 2008, 239 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 11721 times:
Heck if I had the money i would love to buy one and then make it a divesite! Take off all the doors and keep some of the seats (and flight controls) and make it a cool dive site!
Scramjetter From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 11245 times:
Hmm,
The Google boys seem to be collecting big birds. Maybe they could take a cue from the RAF and refuel their Alpha Jet with one.
Nwarooster From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 611 posts, RR: 3 Reply 22, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 11041 times:
PlanenutzTB From United States of America, joined Sep 2005, 256 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 10715 times:
If I had the money and a piece of empty land, I'd buy one to convert into a home. The 1011 would make a decent two level home with an elevator included. Under the plane would make a nice carport and covered patio. I'd convert the cockpit into my office/study. I'd turn the first class section into a home theater and the first movie I would show would be Airplane. But I will not be serving fish to my guests.
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.
KHI747 From Pakistan, joined Oct 2000, 1597 posts, RR: 1 Reply 30, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8337 times:
Quoting Ferengi80 (Reply 29): Would sure as hell love one to go on static display in the Aviation Viewing Park at MAN. Doubt there is any market for them in service any longer.
I kind of like that idea! It appears we ought to be contacting museums rather then charter operators for these birds!
Malaysia From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 3147 posts, RR: 0 Reply 31, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8335 times:
I guess I will just ask Obama if I can have a loan and buy these planes and start trans-con routes in the USA and fly as a FAA proprietory Airline maybe thats the good solution, good old American equipment and government financed.
There Are Those Who Believe That There May Yet Be Other Airlines Who Even Now Fight To Survive Beyond The Heavens
BeechNut From Canada, joined Apr 2004, 689 posts, RR: 8 Reply 32, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 7878 times:
They're welcome in my fridge any time.
I suspect the only future for them is the scrap yard. They were maintenance hogs to begin with, and getting them airworthy again will cost a fortuna...
AAMDanny From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2008, 245 posts, RR: 0 Reply 33, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 7022 times:
Unfortunatly I dont think they will find a home, unless it is feasable to use them for Hadjj flight's, which is probly the best route to keep them still airbourne...
But.... if they have been in the dessert for too long.... age and other natural wear and tear such as corroision may make these old bird's not worth replacing back into Commercial services.
Thing is, were in a buyers market, theres enough wide bodie's which operate much cheaper stuck in the desert which are looking for homes.................
Scrapping would unfortunatly be the best route for there birds, but.... there really isnt that many L1011's still flying around so maybe putting one bird aside for spares and putting the other's back into the sky?
As for the RAF, the x3 ex-ATA L1011's are prob there best option as they are still in VGC.
Lightsaber From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 7954 posts, RR: 98 Reply 35, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 6911 times:
Quoting AAMDanny (Reply 34): Thing is, were in a buyers market, theres enough wide bodie's which operate much cheaper stuck in the desert which are looking for homes.................
There is the root cause. It costs quite a bit to bring an aircraft up to flightworthy and keep it flying (including crew training).
I love the L1011. Absolutely great airframe. But their time has come.
There is a reason FR is bragging about starting a trans-Atlantic LCC quickly. There are plenty of 763ER's being shopped around. Heck, one can pick up a 772 (A model) fairly cheap too (in particular with Pratt engines). These are the discounted airframes these L1011's are going up against in the market. There is more profit to be made in a year with a 772A or 763ER than a free L1011.
Quoting HAJFlyer (Reply 9): Given the ample supply of L1011 on the market and the costly engine AD issue, their chances of ever flying again are indeed slim.
Not to mention fuel costs are still high. Oh, not compared to last year, but still above where a 3 holer makes sense for passanger operation.
RJAF From Jordan, joined Jan 2007, 281 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 6838 times:
I currently arrange the insurance for seven L-1011s (for four different clients) and they are definately airworthy and are working the Hajj. My clients will be interested for sure. Send me an message or e-mail.
ConvairNut From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 38 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 5758 times:
Quote: Quoting KHI747 Isnt their any operator in Africa who could be interested possibly?I mean these planes are being offered at a very competitive price.
Even if you found an operator with enough money in these rough times you'd still have the additional headache of high dollar spares pool.
Eightball From Saudi Arabia, joined Oct 2007, 230 posts, RR: 1 Reply 40, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 5510 times:
This is my first post on Airliners.net.
The fact is that people have to realize that the era of the L1011 Tristar has pretty much ended. These magnificent tri jets, along with the DC-10 and MD-11, have all been replaced by the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A330.
I remember flying on the Tristar many times back in the 90's. Most of those flights were on Saudia between JED and CAI; one flight was on Delta from JFK to LAX, and one flight was on TWA from MCI to STL. Good times.
The cost of bringing these aircraft up to today's standards, plus the fact that today's current widebody twin jets are more fuel efficient, cost less to operate and are more technologically advanced, means that Tristars just aren't an attractive addition to an airline fleet these days. The widebody twin jets have been designed to replace the tri jets with more cost effective aircraft.
Lightsaber From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 7954 posts, RR: 98 Reply 41, posted (3 years 3 months 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 5357 times:
Quoting RJAF (Reply 38): I currently arrange the insurance for seven L-1011s (for four different clients) and they are definately airworthy and are working the Hajj. My clients will be interested for sure. Send me an message or e-mail.
Wow! Great news. I'm glad to see I was too pessimistic.
Quoting ConvairNut (Reply 40): you'd still have the additional headache of high dollar spares pool.
Royal Air formerly known as Air Rum x 3 ex-Orient Thai
Privilege Jet x 1 - ex-Globejet
Barq Aviation x 1 (possibly two more to be purchased) ex-ATA
Skypearl fromerly known as Skygate x 2 ex-Delta
I will hopefully post some pics of Privilege Jet's aircraft soon.
If you ever find out about any of these birds doing airline sub-charter work outside the Hajj, let me know. There aren't many places I wouldn't travel to in order to get one last TriStar flight
Maybe I'll see some of these when I pass through JED next month (to get a ride on something else special)
UK_Dispatcher From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2001, 2485 posts, RR: 43 Reply 48, posted (3 years 3 months 11 hours ago) and read 4615 times:
Quoting OwlEye (Reply 48): The one and only good quote here. They were nice but time is over.
I can't beleive how negative everyone seems to be here. Okay, so the big carriers would not look twice at these aircraft now, but the fact that there are TriStars still flying means that they can still serve their purpose in certain markets.
If an operator is prepared to take them on, then their time is not over. If they go to the scrapman, fair enough. There is nothing wrong with giving them a chance first. Even if their parts can keep some of the other TriStars flying a little longer, I for one will be happy.
United_Fan From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 6692 posts, RR: 10 Reply 50, posted (3 years 3 months 4 hours ago) and read 4245 times:
Well,I'm sure if they are ex-Saudi birds.And they have been in long-term hot & dty desert storage ,they will need alot of work to fly again. I'm sure all rubber will be dry-rotted.
'Empathy was yesterday...Today, you're wasting my Mother-F'ing time' - Heat.
KHI747 From Pakistan, joined Oct 2000, 1597 posts, RR: 1 Reply 51, posted (3 years 3 months 4 hours ago) and read 4204 times:
Quoting RJAF (Reply 44): Royal Air formerly known as Air Rum x 3 ex-Orient Thai
Privilege Jet x 1 - ex-Globejet
Barq Aviation x 1 (possibly two more to be purchased) ex-ATA
Skypearl fromerly known as Skygate x 2 ex-Delta
I will hopefully post some pics of Privilege Jet's aircraft soon.
RJAF From Jordan, joined Jan 2007, 281 posts, RR: 0 Reply 52, posted (3 years 3 months 2 hours ago) and read 4101 times:
Quoting UK_Dispatcher (Reply 46): If you ever find out about any of these birds doing airline sub-charter work outside the Hajj, let me know. There aren't many places I wouldn't travel to in order to get one last TriStar flight
N14AZ From Germany, joined Feb 2007, 1963 posts, RR: 26 Reply 55, posted (3 years 3 months ago) and read 3949 times:
Hmm, 53 replies but no one answered to his initial question. So, I had to do the dirt job, but a very pleasant dirt job First of all, I was suprised that there is no L 1011 fan homepage with a list of current operators (e.g. for the Bac 1-11). Furthermore, it seems that whereever the remaining L 1011s are flying - there, planespotting is not a priority as I found only photo proof of the following operators (including but not limited too):
Reading the comment of the last picture it seems that Iran has a certain need for widebodies (if I remember correctly they even re-activated a B 747-100 of their Air Force).
TZTriStar500 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1331 posts, RR: 8 Reply 56, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 3871 times:
Quoting L1011CPH (Reply 53): 194 should be in good condition as it have been through a D-check for not to long time ago
194's airworthiness is highly questionable. Its D check was due Feb, 2006 and a major engine AD on the -22B due in Aug 06. It sat in Miami for over a year with no maintenance performed and was then sold to an operator in the Middle East last year. It was supposedly D checked, but I have heard this was under dubious circumstances as it was placed almost immediately in service in last years Hadj season. It was nearly impossible for them to have complied with the engine AD since its grounded nearly all of the -22B powered airframes as Rolls will not support it any longer.
In addition, it was place into service with its N registration which is not even possible. It was issued a temporary certification on 9/10/07 which expired on 10/10/07 so N194AT is no longer a valid registration. Now you tell me how it still can operate under this?
There seems to be some underhandedness and corruption going on here and there usually is in third world countries. The L-1011 is certainly a robust airframe with many redundant systems, but these aircraft are not operated or maintained anywhere near what they would be to operate in the EU or US.
35 years of American Trans Air/ATA Airlines, 1973-2008. A great little airline that will not be soon forgotten.
N14AZ From Germany, joined Feb 2007, 1963 posts, RR: 26 Reply 57, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 3840 times:
Quoting TZTriStar500 (Reply 56): The L-1011 is certainly a robust airframe with many redundant systems, but these aircraft are not operated or maintained anywhere near what they would be to operate in the EU or US.
... such as 193N-1093, which had at least three different operators since 2003:
AMW Tchad, TT-DWE
International Air Services, A8-AAB
Ducor World Airlines, 3C-QRL
UK_Dispatcher From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2001, 2485 posts, RR: 43 Reply 58, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 3763 times:
Quoting RJAF (Reply 52): Quoting UK_Dispatcher (Reply 46):
If you ever find out about any of these birds doing airline sub-charter work outside the Hajj, let me know. There aren't many places I wouldn't travel to in order to get one last TriStar flight
TZTriStar500 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1331 posts, RR: 8 Reply 59, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 3784 times:
Quoting N14AZ (Reply 57): ... such as 193N-1093, which had at least three different operators since 2003:
AMW Tchad, TT-DWE
International Air Services, A8-AAB
Ducor World Airlines, 3C-QRL
Exactly, this aircraft and its sister ship (193N-1101) are prime examples.
35 years of American Trans Air/ATA Airlines, 1973-2008. A great little airline that will not be soon forgotten.
United_Fan From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 6692 posts, RR: 10 Reply 61, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 3253 times:
Does anyone know what happened to the ex-DL L that was fixed up @ VCV ? It was supposed to fly to Africa. Was maybe 2 years ago?
'Empathy was yesterday...Today, you're wasting my Mother-F'ing time' - Heat.
L1011dal From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 126 posts, RR: 0 Reply 62, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 3072 times:
The carrier "Trans Atlantic Airlines" never got off the ground with the L1011. The aircraft is registered with the FAA as N723DA but it still remains in VCV. It didn't meet the AD on the engines in time and the owner postponed the venture to pursue other interest. The latest photos of the aircraft with livery and interior are at
LN-MOW From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 1862 posts, RR: 18 Reply 63, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 3060 times:
That was at least 2 1/2 year ago. I was there in August 2006 and it was still sitting there on the ramp. It probably still is ....
RJAF From Jordan, joined Jan 2007, 281 posts, RR: 0 Reply 65, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 2569 times:
Quoting PRM (Reply 64): These two would still be operating this year's Hajj no? cn 293B-1243 and cn 193H-1246
These two (in fact three) were purchased last year by Kalat El-Saqr (Libyan operator) from Globejet. They made a few hajj flights last year but were impounded by Saudi authorities for landing in Medina instead of Jeddah!!. Last I heard is that two of them are rotting somewhere in the Libyan desert and the third one is in Santa Cruz Bolivia with some problems with the Bolivian CAA. Sad fate as these three aircraft could have soldiered on for some time as they were in quite good shape.
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) to have the components available for after-market sales? I am sure the pool of spare parts is starting to run low and that some operators have had their personal pools diminish over time as units start getting deemed B.E.R. when they go out for repair. Just my 
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But their time has come. 
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