On June 2, 2020, Delta Air Lines will depart the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) at 7:00 am with its last flight using the McDonnel Douglas MD-88 aircraft. A water arch solute will be provided by the fire department in honor of the many years of service the MD-88 aircraft provided connecting SRQ passengers to destinations around the world. According to Delta’s website, the accelerated retirement of the MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta has cut its overall active fleet by about half, parking more than 600 mainline and regional aircraft in the last two months in response to reduced demand.  The MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft, nicknamed “Mad Dog”, where considered Delta’s work horse and have been in the Delta fleet since 1987. Over the years, these aircraft have been a familiar sight at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Historical data shows that there have been over 50,000 departures of the MD-80 versions of aircraft at SRQ since 1990. Although it will be difficult to say goodbye to the beloved Mad Dog, the retirement of the aircraft will allow Delta to fly existing MD-88 and MD-90 routes on a mix of quieter, more fuel-efficient Airbus A320 and B737 aircraft, minimizing environmental impacts at airports and reducing overflight noise to residents.

Click for more info from Delta.