Why are old dc 9 planes still in service?

Question

These planes are too old. I've heard the recent crash in Congo was a DC 9.

Answer 1

DC-3s are still in service, and will be for many more decades.

Answer 2

because they are good on fuel....................and can carry alot more cargo then most planes

Answer 3

In addition to the above comments that they're well maintained, they're also paid for.

Answer 4

Economics. They will be in service until it is too costly to maintain them, then they will be pirated for parts to fix more 9s, until the last one is used up.

Answer 5

Ok lets get this straight the plane that crashed in the Congo, what about that sounds right? Its in Africa for god sake and they have no regulations to keep them safe and maintained which they don't do well in poor countries, further more DC-9's are good planes and have an excellent safety record for almost 40 yrs. in service. You have know idea what you are talking about.

Answer 6

I second John's answer. My family has a DC-3 and let me tell you, it's a bit spooky. How about this trouble they're having with the MD-80's, or the 737 issues recently? It's all relative...

Answer 7

OUT OF PRODUCTION DOESN'T MEAN OUTTA SERVICE

Answer 8

Too old according to you, possibly, but they're not too old.  The last time I checked, much newer planes had crashed, not just DC9s.  I love flying on the old 9's, actually anything based on the DC9, all the way to the 717 which I am fortunate to fly in quite often.  Since I remember flying on the DC9s since I was a young girl, they hold a special place in my heart.  And I like the whiff of exhaust you seem to always get through the ventilation system on the old jets like that.

Answer 9

do you know how much it costs to replace a whole fleet with new airplanes? thats the main reason.

Answer 10

Good aircraft , even though old , most are well maintained and have plenty internal space for many uses .

Answer 11

Most airliners have to undergo a lot of technical verification to be allowed to fly. Because of this, and good maintenance, old planes are still able to fly pretty well (I mean, they still fly DC-3's).

The possibility of technical failure exists on all planes, new or old.

Answer 12

DC9s? How bout DC3s. Jeez man.