Death of the DC-10

Northwest Airlines, one of the few airlines still flying the DC-10 in their fleets, is finally considering phasing out there use of these planes most of which were built in the late sixties. Currently the domestic fleet of Northwest is made up of DC-10s and Boeing Boeing 747- 200s. While their flights overseas are made by newer Airbus A330s.

Northwest is no doubt considering this change to to rising gas prices which currently top six dollars a barrel. The DC-10s were built in the sixties when far less proficient engines were rolling off the assembly lines so needless to say the DC-10 is the Hummer of the airplane world, eating gas faster than you can pump it in.

Northwest is looking to begin replacing these planes in 2008 with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This aircraft is larger, more comfortable, and has all the modern technological advanements(video screens in the headrests). Not to mention they use far less gas and will yield more profit per seat.

This looks to be a great improvement for Northwest. Hopefully this will get them on their feet again. Maybe this will give them the push to get competitive with Jet Blue, though Jet Blue has been a growing company since it came into existence.