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I was just wondering.....what are Delta's plans for its MD-88s and MD-90s? Are they gradually phasing them out over the next 5 years? Or will they upgrade them with PTVs and other things? I would appreciate your thoughts.....

An MD-88 with PTVs? Nobody has ever installed IFE on an MD-80 series aircraft. A theory that I have come up with is that the MD-80's electrical wiring system is incompatible with IFE. If Delta can prove me wrong with installing PTVs on their MD-88s, it would be AWESOME!

As far as their future holds, I expect them to be around up to 10 more years.

I talked to one of my DL friends and he said the MD-88 will become DLshuttle and the MD-90 are staying (for now).

Quoting DeltaL1011man (Reply 2): I talked to one of my DL friends and he said the MD-88 will become DLshuttle and the MD-90 are staying (for now).

So are the MD-88s just going to be used as shuttles in the Northeast, or will they use them in other markets as well?

I dont no I can call him and see and I see DL shuttle down here all the time I live in ATL my mom flew DLshuttle to TPA it was a new 737-800

Quoting DeltaL1011man (Reply 4): I dont no I can call him and see and I see DL shuttle down here all the time I live in ATL my mom flew DLshuttle to TPA it was a new 737-800

There will be 9 MD-88s dedicated to the Shuttle between BOS/DCA-LGA. The other remaining aircraft will continue to operate across the US like they do now.

Jeremy

Quoting Iloveboeing (Reply 3): So are the MD-88s just going to be used as shuttles in the Northeast, or will they use them in other markets as well?

Delta will continue using them in other markets. They will convert about 10 MD-88s into an all-coach (134 seat) Shuttle configuration with the standard 36" Shuttle pitch. The rest of the MD-88s (about 110) will remain in standard Delta service, flying from mostly CVG and ATL to mid-size mainline markets in the Eastern and Central time zones. The MD-90s will most likely remain based out of SLC, as they are best situated to the hot and high conditions found out west.

I would honestly expect during the next 3-4 years for the current Shuttle 737-800s to be placed back into a standard 16F/134Y configuration when they are converted with the PTVs, etc as part of the "expanded Song" service (I know the 757s are first, but I would expect the 737-800s to get them as well, as it would allow a smaller aircraft to operate some longer, thinner routes). I do not expect the MD-88s to get the IFE though - the 757s (and then most likely the 737s and 767s) will be in front of them, due to the fact that they operate longer stage lengths and that they will more than likely be in the fleet longer. Plus, the MD-88s stage length is often no longer than 2.5 hours flying time (there are only a few long MD-88 routes like ATL-TUS), so for the majority of the routes, IFE isn't a big deal (for a 2 hour flight, I'm sure passengers can read the newspaper or a book...the PTVs aren't necessary on short-stage lengths that the MD-88 dominates - it only adds unnecessary weight, which means more fuel, which means more cost).

Jeff

Yea, I figured it was deemed unneccessary because MD88s are on short flights (~2 hrs at most) and you can get by w/o IFE.

I would also think that Delta's flagship aircraft, the 777, will get Song IFE as well.

I don't think we will be seeing PTVs on the MD-88s nor MD-90s. We definately won't see PTVs on the 737 classics and 767-200s, as they are being retired.

Quoting DeltAirlines (Reply 6): I would honestly expect during the next 3-4 years for the current Shuttle 737-800s to be placed back into a standard 16F/134Y configuration when they are converted with the PTVs, etc as part of the "expanded Song" service

I've flown on a DL 738 Shuttle between MCI and CVG a few times.......it was so nice! I think an all-economy 36-inch pitch layout should be the standard for airlines. The 738's low operating costs (especially with winglets, which I think DL should seriously consider) in 156 seats allows for low-fares and profitability. Combine it with PTVs and you could attract a lot of customers.....this could increase DL's competitive advantage against JetBlue, Southwest, and other LCCs.

Quoting 1337Delta764 (Reply 8): I don't think we will be seeing PTVs on the MD-88s nor MD-90s.

While they do not have PTV's, the MD90 has a good IFE system, I have seen many a good movie on the FLL-DFW legs.

Quoting D950 (Reply 10): While they do not have PTV's, the MD90 has a good IFE system, I have seen many a good movie on the FLL-DFW legs.

My guess is that the MD-90 will retain its basic IFE.

IMO Delta should install Empower ports on all their aircraft.

Considering there are close to 120 MD-88's in the inventory, we will see these puppies flying for a few good years, specially with them going thru the interior refurbishings.
Regards

Quoting 1337Delta764 (Reply 8):

I have my doubts on this one. The 777s fly predominately international routes, where it might not be as economical to put in satellite tv...look at B6 - they can't use the satellite tv on the Caribbean routes. What I would expect for the 777s are maybe AVOD in all classes - the PTVs are already on the 777s though.

Jeff