Here you'll create or edit a custom page for your Web site.
DL retires Boeing 727 fleet
11:18 a.m. 4/8/03
Delta retired its remaining Boeing 727 aircraft today in its ongoing effort to simplify its fleet and improve operational reliability for customers. “The Boeing 727 served as an elegant and durable workhorse of Delta’s fleet for more than 30 years,” said Fred Reid, president and chief operating officer. “It was a vital part of our company’s growth. The retirement of the 727 allows us to simplify our fleet and realize the benefits of a more efficient fleet mix to better serve our customers.” Boeing introduced the 727 in 1964, while DL introduced 727s into its fleet in 1972 and eventually acquired 184 of the aircraft. “The 727 helped us build our strong relationship with Delta,” said Mike Cave, Boeing’s sr. v.p. of commercial aviation services. “Our long-term partnership will be key to our mutual success in the 21st century.” DL’s last commercial 727 flight from Greensboro, N.C., to Atlanta on Sunday marked the last scheduled airline flight by a major airline using this aircraft. With the retirement of the Boeing 727 fleet, DL now operates six aircraft types: McDonnell-Douglas MD88/MD90; Boeing 737 family; Boeing 757; Boeing 767 family; Boeing 777; and McDonnell-Douglas MD11. DL will ground the remaining three MD11 aircraft this year, reducing the number of aircraft types to five by December 2003.