Remember this news item from last May?

 

http://travel.usatod...-delta/699512/1

 

The finalization of this transfer of the AirTran 717s from Southwest to Delta is supposed to happen in the next couple months. It also has some significance for FSX AI traffic add-ons. Has there been any news as to on what routes these aircraft are going to be used?

I was reading that most of them are going to be leased either back to AirTran and other carriers.

The Boeing 717's will replace Delta's DC9 fleet. So whatever routes the DC9's currently server will see the 717's in the near future.

 

As always things move around so nothing is etched in stone outside of the fact Delta wants the DC9's replaced.

As much as I like the 717, why would Delta put them into service? The 717 is no longer in production (the newest one is around 7 years old?) and it also has less commonality with the DC9/MD. Clearly the DC9/MD/717 "type" is long out of style so when the 717 reaches it's end then what? Instead, they could bite the bullet and train their pilots for a more common and practical plane (like a 737 or Airbus) that has legs into the future. Just my two cents.

As much as I like the 717, why would Delta put them into service? The 717 is no longer in production (the newest one is around 7 years old?) and it also has less commonality with the DC9/MD. Clearly the DC9/MD/717 "type" is long out of style so when the 717 reaches it's end then what? Instead, they could bite the bullet and train their pilots for a more common and practical plane (like a 737 or Airbus) that has legs into the future. Just my two cents.

 

Money is the best answer. No matter how you look at it the 717 is newer than the DC9 and most likely more fuel efficient Buying new or leased 737's is more costly. Last but not least Boeing still provides a service contract for the 717. I guess we can throw in there the birds are already at ATL so theirs no flying to location for a refit...

I understand that airbus either has or will have an assembly plant in Alabama. close proximity to Atlanta. All kinds of possibilities.