Delta’s MD-88s and MD-90s will depart on their last scheduled revenue flights on June 2, as Delta officially retires the “Mad Dog” jets from the fleet.
In a nod to the T-tail jet’s name, Delta Flight 88, a McDonnell Douglas MD-88, will depart on its last scheduled revenue flight on the morning of Tuesday, June 2, from Washington-Dulles International Airport to Delta’s hub in Atlanta. Earlier that same morning, Delta Flight 90, operated by an MD-90 aircraft, will fly from Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to ATL.
Once on the ground in Atlanta, the aircraft will join several other MD-88s and MD-90s as they fly to Blytheville, Ark., where they will be officially retired from the fleet. One MD-88 will remain in Atlanta and is scheduled to depart to Blytheville on June 3, to mark the official end of the MD-series jets at Delta.
Last month Delta announced its plans to retire the MD-88 and MD-90 fleet earlier than previously planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on travel demand. Delta has been able to react quickly to the COVID-19 crisis by parking aircraft and considering early retirements of older, less-efficient airplanes. Delta continues to evaluate its broader fleet plan and will consider additional aircraft retirements to focus on a modern, simpler fleet going forward.
