MD-90-30 and MD-90-30-ER
The EOAmericas and ESA MD-90 aircrafts are fitted
out for:
- 7 Business Class at the pitch of 152cm
(60ins)
- 104 Coach class seats in an extremely low
density arrangement at a generous 107cm (42ins) pitch.
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The MD-90 first flew in 1993 and is part of the DC-9
family of aircrafts that has evolved over time into the MD-80 series
and, with the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing on 4th August 1997,
into the Boeing 717. Certification was awarded on November 16th of the
following year.
The MD-90 offered improved operating economics and reduced environmental
impact over the MD-80 series through use of the IAE V2500 engines which
feature reduced emissions and noise levels. Further advances were made
to the Flight Management and Electronic Flight Information (FMS and
EFIS) systems and refinements were made to the cabin interiors and the
aircraft features a 1.4m (4ft 6in) fuselage stretch forward of the wing
over the MD-80 series to compensate for the additional weight of the
rear mounted engines.
The MD-90-30-ER version offers an increased fuel load at the expense
of cargo space. Orders for this version have been very limited (following
the merger Boeing ceased taking orders having announced that MD-90 production
would end once the current orders had been fulfilled.)
The first deliveries took place in 1995 with aircrafts having gone to
SAS (8) and Delta (16) as well as European Overseas Airways (50) and
European Overseas Americas (16). Other major operators include JAS (16)
and Saudi Arabian Airlines (29) European Overseas have taken delivery
of 50 MD-90-30 and 4 MD-90-30-ER aircrafts to date with a further 4
expected by the close of 2001. EOAmericas have also received a total
of 16 of the MD-90-30.
All of the European Overseas aircrafts have been refitted according
guidelines set down by EOAC regarding seating arrangements. The EOAC
MD-90 aircrafts are fitted out for 14 Business Class and 94 Coach class
in an extremely low density arrangement. Business Class passengers enjoy
a seat pitch of 152cm (60ins) while Coach Class are guaranteed a generous
107cm (42ins). As on all EOAC flights, passengers may also accommodated
at the bar for much of the journey and a meal is served on all flights.
WHAT IF....
...McDonnell Douglas had really received orders for a further 74 MD-90-30
from a single large airline?
It probably would not have been anywhere near enough to halt the Boeing
merger but it would have kept production going at least until 2002.
Boeing would possibly have considered continuing to take orders for
the MD-90 although this would have interfered with sales of the stretched
next generation 737. In all probability it would only have extended
the production.
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