American orders 130 A320s, 130 A320neos, 100 737NGs; also commits to 100 of 'new 737 variant'
see:
http://atwonline.com/aircraft-engines-components/news/american-orders-130-a320s-130-a320neos-100-737ngs-also-commits-100-
A320s in AA livery, should be interesting
Boeing had to scramble to get what they got. But in the end of the day Airbus won. They got 260 firm orders plus 365 options. Boeing got 100 almost firm orders and a commitment of 100 to a plane they have not even offered and 100 options.
Growing up predominantly flying AA when able to, I'm going to be sad from a passenger perspective that the MD80s will soon be gone -- 2-3 seating makes such a big difference for me, and I always felt like the MD80s were quieter, but I want to see AA profitable again, and if the A32Xs can help move AA in that direction then I'm all for it.
I know they've stated that they are looking into replacing the transcon flights with narrowbodies but I hope that's not the case! The 767-200s do need to be replaced but I hope they will be with 767-300s.
I've been flying American MD-80s a LOT lately and they are just antiquated. I've been delayed probably 50% of the time for mechanical issues with the plane. It's a 30+ year old plane and they have to just move on. I personally think they are louder than 737's and less comfortable. Also something most people don't notice is that they can't even fly to certain airports (like Reno, RNO) because of their high landing speeds (swept wing) and low and late thrust reversers. They take up about 4/5 of the runways at DFW.
Quote from: Frogiton on August 30, 2011, 02:12:57 AM
I've been flying American MD-80s a LOT lately and they are just antiquated. I've been delayed probably 50% of the time for mechanical issues with the plane. It's a 30+ year old plane and they have to just move on. I personally think they are louder than 737's and less comfortable. Also something most people don't notice is that they can't even fly to certain airports (like Reno, RNO) because of their high landing speeds (swept wing) and low and late thrust reversers. They take up about 4/5 of the runways at DFW.
Passenger preference, I guess. Of course it's time to replace them, I wasn't saying I thought they shouldn't. ;) But I know I'm not the only one who will miss the Mad Dogs and the much nicer 2-3 configuration. Too bad AA didn't keep any of the F100s they used to have.
Quote from: Brockster on August 30, 2011, 05:59:40 AM
Passenger preference, I guess. Of course it's time to replace them, I wasn't saying I thought they shouldn't. ;) But I know I'm not the only one who will miss the Mad Dogs and the much nicer 2-3 configuration. Too bad AA didn't keep any of the F100s they used to have.
You can always fly on Delta's 40 year old DC-9's :P
Quote from: Frogiton on August 30, 2011, 01:08:19 PM
You can always fly on Delta's 40 year old DC-9's :P
Those will be gone before the AA MD80s. ;)
MD80's sure is old. But there is one thing about them that amazes me. And that's their takeoff. They almost climb as a rocket! :laugh:
All I know is all these new aircraft = jobs ;D
Quote from: Pilot Oatmeal on August 31, 2011, 04:17:01 PM
All I know is all these new aircraft = jobs ;D
Mmmm...Not necessarily, as this order was made to replace existing fleets. Sure with retirement of seasoned pilots there will be job openings. But it is not thanks to this order me thinks.
American Airlines will end up with a bigger fleet even if they replace all the old aircraft. Bigger fleet = more jobs = more opportunities for mr oates over here ;)
Quote from: Pilot Oatmeal on August 31, 2011, 06:03:25 PM
American Airlines will end up with a bigger fleet even if they replace all the old aircraft. Bigger fleet = more jobs = more opportunities for mr oates over here ;)
They intend to replace all 200+ MDs, all 120+ 752, the 762 and older 763ER, maybe they ordered 50 planes more than they have now that are gonna be replaced. IMO there are bigger growths.
Well, have you finally received you PPL?
Well its all growth and since I've got dual nationality I get access to both the EU and USA job markets, I've had my PPL since a few weeks after my 17th birthday haha, I'm 18 in 30 days :)
Congrats man! You've entered in the wonderful world of pilots. Now we are two that would love to fly those metallic eagles.
yea bud :) just got get that ATPL now and a degree, but I can't wait to start looking for jobs hahah
Quote from: Pilot Oatmeal on August 31, 2011, 06:03:25 PM
American Airlines will end up with a bigger fleet even if they replace all the old aircraft. Bigger fleet = more jobs = more opportunities for mr oates over here ;)
Plus in America a lot of the "Baby Boomers" are now reaching mandatory retirement leaving a bigger gap.
Quote from: alexgv1 on September 01, 2011, 05:52:19 PM
Plus in America a lot of the "Baby Boomers" are now reaching mandatory retirement leaving a bigger gap.
Which is why my dad can finally move to left seat!
Quote from: Frogiton on September 01, 2011, 08:16:46 PM
Which is why my dad can finally move to left seat!
Nice! 8) What does he usually fly?
Quote from: Brockster on September 01, 2011, 11:43:44 PM
Nice! 8) What does he usually fly?
He's been right seat in Fedex's A300 for about 10 years. He's going to go to left seat in the 757 soon. He could go right seat in the 777 but A. He'd be way low in senority, which leads to B. We'd never see him again.
Quote from: Frogiton on September 02, 2011, 12:54:37 AM
He's been right seat in Fedex's A300 for about 10 years. He's going to go to left seat in the 757 soon.
That's awesome! ;D
My take is that when I finally get a gig at the big airlines, the only airplanes flying will be those ugly rear-mounted-propfans concepts with rectangular cross section, gull-esque wings with 4 aisle cabin....and oh! no pilots!
It'll take a LOOONG time for pilots to be taken out of planes, and when it does happen they will still need someone there incase it goes wrong... Maybe 50-70 years till it happens...
Quote from: Pilot Oatmeal on September 02, 2011, 06:44:33 AM
It'll take a LOOONG time for pilots to be taken out of planes, and when it does happen they will still need someone there incase it goes wrong... Maybe 50-70 years till it happens...
I think you're right, anyways the Navajos still require a pilot ;D
Quote from: ArcherII on September 02, 2011, 04:56:37 PM
I think you're right, anyways the Navajos still require a pilot ;D
Oh yes, and all the corporate guys will as well as I don't think that kind of technology will be cheap!
Quote from: Pilot Oatmeal on August 31, 2011, 07:05:46 PM
Well its all growth and since I've got dual nationality I get access to both the EU and USA job markets, I've had my PPL since a few weeks after my 17th birthday haha, I'm 18 in 30 days :)
What the..? How much studying is needed to have CPL in your country?
In here, Finland, the lowest possible age to be a pilot, is around 22-23. And that's in theory.
I don't have a CPL, I have a PPL (Private Pilots Licence)... I can fly but I can't fly for reward... to have a CPL you have to be 18, but I won't get mine because of university and finance till after my 21st birthday most likely
Sorry I've just seen your actual question... the studying side takes about 3-4 months depending on where you etc... the whole course if you do integrated usually takes about 60 weeks and the UK has probably the toughest training in Europe, if not the world