AMC Aviation trat Ende März 1997 als erster und einziger Kunde für die MD-90ER auf. Diese Variante unterscheidet sich von der Standard-MD-90 durch ein deutlich erhöhtes maximales Startgewicht von 76270 Kg und auf eine spürbar erhöhte Reichweite von über 4000 Km. AMC Aviation konfigurierte ihre MD-90 mit jeweils 170 Sitzplätzen und das Einsatzspektrum waren primär Routen ab Mitteleuropa nach Ägypten. Finanzielle Probleme führten dazu, daß sich AMC Aviation von ihren MD-90 trennte und durch MD-83 ersetzte. AMC Aviation nennt sich mittlerweile "AMC Airlines".

Erstaunlich ist in diesem Zusammenhang, das trotz der gesteigerten Reichweite die MD-90 selbst durch Verwendung sehr sparsamer IAE V2500-Triebwerke eine deutlich niedrigere nutzbare Reichweite aufweist als die MD-83.

AMC AVIATION ORDERS MD-90-TWIN JETS

LONG BEACH, Calif., March 31, 1997 -- McDonnell Douglas (NYSE: MD) announced today the purchase of two MD-90-30 Extended Range advanced technology jetliners by AMC Aviation, a charter operator based in Cairo, Egypt.

Scheduled for delivery in August this year and October 1998, the new twin jets will be based in Luxor and Hurgada, Egypt, and will provide service to European destinations, including Paris, Marseilles, Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich. The value of the purchase is estimated at approximately $100 million.

The new aircraft will be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight capability to 168,000 pounds, 12,000 pounds more than standard MD-90s now in service, and 2,000 pounds more than previously delivered

MD-90-30ERs. The improvement gives the aircraft additional non-stop range of 2,500 statute miles that meets AMC's long range requirements. The new MD-90s will also feature the higher powered International Aero Engines V2528-D5 turbofans, rated at 28,000 pounds of thrust. The first AMC MD-90s will carry 170 passengers in a single-class configuration. The longer-range MD-90 was purchased by AMC because of the aircraft's ability to perform efficiently out of hot airports with the quiet and clean V2500 engine. The advanced technology turbofans give the MD-90 exceptional fuel efficiency and low levels of noise and engine emissions, making it the quietest, cleanest large transport in service today. The aircraft also has an advanced flight deck which includes an electronic flight instrument system, a full-flight management system and a state-of-the-art inertial reference system for navigation. In addition, the MD-90 offers new passenger-cabin amenities and higher levels of traveling comfort, featuring the five-abreast economy seating that is the passenger-pleasing hallmark of all McDonnell Douglas twin jets.

AMC Aviation was formed in 1994 and currently operates a fleet of three jet aircraft, providing charter service between Egypt and destinations in France, Germany and Belgium.

Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas