Letter to Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Airlines

April 13, 2015

Richard H. Anderson
CEO, Delta Airlines
P.O. Box 20980
Department 980
Atlanta, GA 30320-2980

Dear Mr. Anderson,

We have received communications from people within your company expressing concerns about your aging MD-80 aircraft fleet. As you know, Delta is a principal user of this McDonnell Douglas aircraft. We understand that the FAA, together with manufacturers and airlines is developing criteria to establish when individual aircraft of certain model years or an entire aging fleet model needs to be considered for retirement and/or stricter inspections.

What is Delta Airlines’ criteria for retiring aging passenger aircraft like the MD-80? Please inform us of the number of MD-80s you have and the date of their manufacture, and if any of the MD-80s have flown more than 50,000 take-offs/landings.

It is surprising that you have not replaced these aircraft given their comparative fuel inefficiency with more modern and efficient aircraft models that are being purchased by your competitors. Delta charges enough for airfares, baggage and changed reservations to warrant providing your passengers with more modern and safer passenger aircraft. We look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely yours,

Ralph Nader

Paul Hudson
President, Flyers Rights
*Member of the FAAs Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee

*Mr. Hudson is a member representing the public and advising the FAA on air safety regulation.