How much longer will KLM fly their MD-11s??

[UALdave]

I'm very interested in this, as they seem to be the only airline that is still flying them on passenger services. I'm such an airplane NUT, that I'd fly to Amsterdam and back on one, just to fly on an MD-11!

[Jan-Jasinski]

I understand your nutyness. I would kill to fly on one again. Been like 7 years that I last flew on a MD-11! I believe they're retiring them in 2015 but I say the will stick around for another 10 years hopefully.

[TeeVee]

last time i was on one, it damn near shook itself to pieces. it was so old and decrepit not a single thing onboard didn't rattle, squeak or groan for 7 hours.

[UALdave]

Originally Posted by Jan-Jasinski

I understand your nutyness. I would kill to fly on one again. Been like 7 years that I last flew on a MD-11! I believe they're retiring them in 2015 but I say the will stick around for 10 years hopefully.

Well that's good news! Why do so many airlines use them as freighters, instead of the 767F, or the 777F??

[Jan-Jasinski]

Originally Posted by UALdave

Well that's good news! Why do so many airlines use them as freighters, instead of the 767F, or the 777F??

Well not sure but my guess is 767F obviously doesn't transport as much as the MD-11F but 777F is a very good aircraft. The MD-11 is heavy and expensive (fuel) which makes airlines not want it but it is a good freighter aircraft that can travel long distances which is why many companies have it, and of course because it's a beautiful machine! I think I heard the MD-11F was better than the 742F but that could be a mistake. Also, is it probably cheaper for them to buy a MD-11 than a 777F.

[hdgrubb]

Originally Posted by Jan-Jasinski

The MD-11 is heavy and expensive (fuel) which makes airlines not want it but it is a good freighter aircraft that can travel long distances.......

In order to travel the longer distances, the forward cargo hold was fitted with a large fuel tank and this was the primary reason Delta retired them soon after it failed to meet range and fuel specs.

[7C9]

KLM said "2015 at last", to be replaced by more 777s (-200/300)

I was only once in an MD11! In 2001 with CityBird (OO-CTB) if someone remembers)
that was a feeling! from BRU to RHO!

[larsv]

Originally Posted by 7C9

KLM said "2015 at last", to be replaced by more 777s (-200/300)

I was only once in an MD11! In 2001 with CityBird (OO-CTB) if someone remembers)
that was a feeling! from BRU to RHO!

nope Air France-KLM is planning on making a minimum order of 50+ aircraft to replace Air France's 16 A340's and KLM's 10 MD-11's wich will consist of a mixed A350/787 order, thats what Pierre-Henri Gourgeon said last friday

The CEO added that the group was likely to unveil a multi-billion dollar order for mid-sized aircraft to renew its fleet shortly after a board meeting due on September 15

[Jan-Jasinski]

Life won't be the same without them . If I had money I would buy one of their MD-11's and fly it for the sake of spotters lol.

[UALdave]

Originally Posted by hdgrubb

In order to travel the longer distances, the forward cargo hold was fitted with a large fuel tank and this was the primary reason Delta retired them soon after it failed to meet range and fuel specs.

Yeah, I have 2 commercial aviation reference books that talk about how the MD-11 did not meet airline performance expectations, and how performance enhancement packages were offered.

BTW, there is a Citybird DVD done by World Air Routes here: http://www.worldairroutes.com/Citybird.html

[hdgrubb]

Originally Posted by UALdave

BTW, there is a Citybird DVD done by World Air Routes here: http://www.worldairroutes.com/Citybird.html

I love worldairroutes.com! I bought Air Atlanta 747 not long ago and really enjoyed watching it! Only problem, the video quality is pure crap....but I can't complain because when will I ever get to fly one

[UALdave]

Originally Posted by hdgrubb

I love worldairroutes.com! I bought Air Atlanta 747 not long ago and really enjoyed watching it! Only problem, the video quality is pure crap....but I can't complain because when will I ever get to fly one

Off-topic, I love their DVD's too, but-in general-there's WAAY too much chatter from ATC not related to the flights on the DVDs. And that can, and frequently does, make it much harder to hear what the flight crew are saying.

[J.Louwen]

Originally Posted by UALdave

I'm very interested in this, as they seem to be the only airline that is still flying them on passenger services. I'm such an airplane NUT, that I'd fly to Amsterdam and back on one, just to fly on an MD-11!

Here it is!
Today's news (09-16-2011):

KLM krijgt Dreamliner als vervanger MD11
Gepubliceerd op 16 september 11, 10:53
SCHIPHOL - De KLM heeft eindelijk de Dreamliner besteld bij Boeing. Het toestel wordt in 2016 ingezet als vervanger van de MD11.

Briefly Translated: KLM will replace there MD-11 by Dreamliner during 2016.

[Leo 747]

The MD-11 is a great machine, is such a shame they're being retired.
I can still remember when I flew GIG-EZE, EZE-SCL and SCL-GIG on a Varig MD-11, back in 2003 when I was 7 years old....amazing trip...I miss this bird on the brazilian skies :/

[IberiaMD-87]

It is amazing to see that KLM retains their MD-11 that long. This is quiet an archievement today´s aviation-scene and opinions of ordinary travelers about classic aircraft such as the MD-11.

Bye