The world hasn’t quite been the same since 2019. So much has changed. Back then, the world was ‘a-ok’ with silver bird, American Airlines MD-80s flying passengers to destinations around the country. Once American retired the jet on September 4th, all hell seemed to break loose just a few months later: Coronavirus, masks, recession and war soon followed. The world is just starting to recover.. We’re blaming it all on American retiring the MD-80 fleet.
For those just a little nostalgic about the good ole’ days, there are still five cities around the country where you can see seven American Airlines MD-80 in full red, white, blue, and silver livery. Beginning in 2009, American donated a total of 8 jets, seven of which are still in AA colors. Here’s your list:
Four Jets in Oklahoma
Tulsa was the home of the world’s largest MD-80 maintenance facility. For almost 30 years, they maintained every American MD-80 that ever flew. American donated not one but two MD-80s to causes around the city. The first one is the most accessible. It is located at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. With paid admission, you can board the MD-80, sit in a real first-class seat and watch an immersive video projected above you in the cabin. The jet is beautifully preserved, polished regularly, and you can tour it.
Back in 2011, American Airlines donated a MD-80 to Tulsa Tech’s aviation program. They still have the aircraft. We haven’t seen any recent photos though but the jet is located at the Riverside Campus location.
Back in 2015, American donated a MD-80 to Oklahoma State University’s engineering school to serve as a maintenance trainer. Seven years later, the jet’s American titles look a little faded but is still in pretty good shape. Public tours aren’t available but you could always say you are interested in joining the school and they will probably offer a tour!
One of the last MD-80s donated by American arrived at Metro Tech Aviation Academy at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City. The center offers AMT training for high school and adults. While the school nicknamed the jet “Zelda”, we’ve heard that most still call her “Mad Dog.”
Romeoville, Illinois (90 min from Chicago)
Lewis University is home to a pretty robust technical aviation program. American Airlines donated the MD-80 (N501AA) in late 2019. The university has the distinction of maintaining the last American Airlines MD-80 that ever flew. While the jet is no longer airworthy, they keep the jet pristine and run the engines regularly. You can see the aircraft by pulling near the school’s fence located at the airport in Romeoville. Occasionally, they even offer tours of their aviation school.
Miami, Florida
American Airlines donated an MD-80 (N234AA) to the GT Baker aviation technical college back in 2010. American first flew the aircraft to Miami International. They then used a crane to hoist the MD-80 over an adjacent expressway and towed it on major streets to the school. The MD-80 is still there providing technical training to high school and college students. While you can’t get a tour of the jet, you can see the American Airlines jet (sans engines) by driving near the school.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Museo Del Nino Des Carolina in Puerto Rico is a children’s museum that hosts one of the two American MD-80s in the world still open to the public. The MD-80 is open for tours will an interior that offers interactive exhibits. The jet was originally donated in 2011.
San Juan is actually home to two retired American Airlines MD-80s. Besides the museum, the other one is located at a local aviation academy. Unfortunately, the aviation academy jet was repainted into a silver and blue scheme with the American Airlines markings removed.
Bonus: Former AA MD-80 jet in TWA colors in Kansas City
Tristar Experience has stored the TWA Wings of Pride MD-80 jet in Kansas city. This aircraft also flew for American for a number of years after the merger with TWA back in 2001. You can learn more about the jet in a story we did back in 2017 here.
