MD-11

[Richard]

Can someone please enlighten me as to why the MD-11 was deemed a failiure from the outset and why they are being outlived by their predecessor the DC-10. From my take on things, their operators aren't very fond of them. Why is this?

[Avianca 757]

I agree, the MD-11 Rocks.

Besides what Polish Air says, it had a bad hit when Singapore Airlines didn't buy as McDonnell-Douglas couldn't assure the plane could do some route I don't remember right now. Singapore is a very strong influence in others' airlines aircraft buyings

[shamrock145hvy]

They make GREAT freighters! Just ask Fedex, UPS, EVA, World, KEcargo, LHcargo, & Martinair. In "that" capacity they will out live the DC-10. nod.gif

Cheers!

shamrock145hvy clap.gif clap.gif clap.gif clap.gif clap.gif

[PolishAir42]

Richard the MD-11 is a great plane to start for.

However the twin engine jet area killed it.

Trijets just arent economical to operate anymore. The MD-11 eats more fuel than a 777 or a A330 or a 767. Its all simple economics. Airlines went for the widebody twins instead of the trijet which guzzled more fuel and was deemed less economical.

[FMS]

I heard the same story from a KLM fleet planner. The range Mcdonnel Douglas promised to the airlines has only been achieved by later Md-11ER versions. It also had some reliability issues in its first years of service.
Pilots love the airplane, cabin crew I've spoken to hate it for it's strange seating arrangement. (or maybe that's a KLM thing...)

[Stephen Toernblom]

I have heard the same thing as you guys but also it is a more graceful airplane than the DC-10. Even UPS is happy with the MD-11 as a cargo bird.

Stephen

[FinalApproach]

MD-11 is not only an excellent aircraft for passengers, it is the best widebody aircraft to work on at an airport. Catering trucks park in positions that don't get in the way too much of the offloading of baggage, the locking system(for locking down luggage cans and cargo) is extremely easy to adjust (unlike all 747's,come on Boeing), it carries the same amount of cargo/baggage as a 747-400(but less PAX), the systems where all fun to use because of the complexity, the cargo door hinges are user friendly they don't cross pathes with heads as much as Boeing's do(OW!!!) and not to mention one heck of a large window for the pilots to look out. I really enjoyed last year when KLM chose to bring in that aircraft rather then the 747 Combis. The only bad aspects from the ground are the bulk door is way to small, AND YES, maintenance did seem to be a problem BUT other than that it is and was the greatest aircraft I have ever worked on. Boeing and Airbus both have some things to learn from McDonnell Douglas.