I'm led to believe, although I cannot prove it right now, that there are still bucketloads of all three types flying around Africa. Smaller airlines that can't afford shiny new aircraft take the older ones as they retire, but as global noise restrictions increase and more "modern" aircraft enter the second hand market, I can't see them being around for much longer.Is it counted as heresy to think the hushkits on the back end of some of the old P&W turbojet powered aircaft look really silly? ;-)Ian P.Going into hiding after that last comment...

>I'm led to believe, although I cannot prove it right now,>that there are still bucketloads of all three types flying>around Africa. >Haven't seen them (last time I was in Africa was in the 1980s when those aircraft were a lot newer so it doesn't count that I saw them then :)) but you're likely right.>Smaller airlines that can't afford shiny new aircraft take the>older ones as they retire, but as global noise restrictions>increase and more "modern" aircraft enter the second hand>market, I can't see them being around for much longer.>maintenance on those "modern" aircraft is a lot more complicated and expensive.Any African with a screwdriver, a blowtorch, and a paintbrush can maintain a DC-9. For a 738 or 320 you need computers, precision work benches, etc. etc.That's the reason old propliners are still used around there, they're impossible to destroy :)>Is it counted as heresy to think the hushkits on the back end>of some of the old P&W turbojet powered aircaft look really>silly? ;-)>Not just look silly, they sound silly.It's heresy to fit those things...>Ian P.>Going into hiding after that last comment...You shouldn't, you should be proud of it!Smoky engines forever!

>US centric attitude...>>Many DC-9s still fly all around the world. Same with 707s and>probably 727s as well.>>Large DC-9 and 727 operator is Aeropostal from Venezuela who>fly them all over South and Central America and into the USA.well he is from the us (charleston), hence my answer.love those south american/central american carriers who tie up radio frequencies in the us. hear it all the time, "Mexicana, stop. what are you doing?" :-)

ABX Air Inc. (Previously Airborne Express) still flys a fleet of 74 DC-9s. Mostly -40 series. Althoug now, because we are a primarly contractor for DHL Americas, the aircraft are being painted in DHL new yellow color scheme. Looks nice thought. Love those 9s. You take care of them they will fly forever. Well Almost.

Hello All, Also, Don't forget JPATS,(Justice Prisoner & Alien Transportation System). They have their own fleet of 100's 200's and a few ADV's for prisoner and alien transportation, including some Cit X's and other aircraft.Now that's an airline you DON'T want a reservation on !!!!!Best, Clayhttp://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...ers/Dopke01.jpgClayton T. Dopke (Clay)Major, USAF (retired)"Drac"

>including some Cit X's and other aircraft.>>Now that's an airline you DON'T want a reservation on !!!!!You mean you don't think a "free ride" in a Citation X is worth a couple of years in Leavenworth? :)