One of the most prolific aircraft types to ever fly for American Airlines, the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series, reached the end of the line on September 4 when the carrier sent the last of its fleet on a major “sendoff” that saw 26 of what many call the “Mad Dog” on their last flights to be retired in Roswell, New Mexico.
American Airlines Retires Last of Legendary MD-80 Fleet
Key Takeaways:
- American Airlines officially retired its entire McDonnell Douglas MD-80 "Mad Dog" fleet on September 4, with the last 26 aircraft flying to Roswell, New Mexico.
- The MD-80 served as a prolific workhorse for American Airlines for 36 years, peaking at 49% of its fleet in 2004 and carrying over 87 million customers.
- The decision to retire the MD-80s was driven by the airline's desire to avoid extensive future maintenance costs and invest in new, state-of-the-art aircraft.
- The MD-80 fleet famously carried American's polished aluminum livery, a design choice from the late 1960s intended to save fuel by reducing paint weight.
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