With a global pandemic and resulting economic collapse raging across the world, airlines have been having to make difficult decisions about which types to keep and which to retire. While examining the McDonnell Douglas MD-80’s past, Chris Sloan also managed to secure a highly sought-after seat on Delta’s final flight using this 1980’s workhorse.
Early in the COVID-19 crisis, traffic levels were decimated, resulting in two-thirds of the world’s airline fleet being parked or stored. The most vulnerable casualties of this cataclysm were older, less efficient aircraft. Many types abruptly flew their last flights with little notice and no chance for goodbyes. But when Delta Air Lines took the decision to pull down their MD-80 and MD-90 fleet ahead of schedule, there was fortunately enough time for one final victory lap.
