The MD-80....to be....or not to be

It's funny because some operators have this attitude about the MD-80 like it's the worst part of their fleet that just "needs" to be rid of. Surely they cite operational costs...like fuel burn. I don't hear a lot of mention about the new debt that comes with the newer fleet though...

Then we have several operators that are buying these MD-80's up as soon as they come available. The funny part is how many of these operators are doing quite well financially. Of course, they have a conservative attitude about liabilities.

Is there really anything out there right now, that is "that much" better than the MD-80? Or, are operators just wanting a newer fleet? Is it worth the MILLIONS of dollars in new debt to have a newer fleet that isn't really that much better? Well, there are several operators that answer NO.

Thankfully, the worst part of the MD-80 (fuel consumption)...is the best part of our program (major fuel savings). I'm obviously on the side of the MD-80...."to be"...at least for a while longer.

I mean really...excessive debt right now? in this industry & global economy? Not me, I'll take the assets over the liabilities for now & stick with a proven plan.