Looks like a Boeing 737-300.
Are there some routes that are that able to fill such a large jet?
Yes, there are a few routes that could fill an A-380. LHR-ORD is one example.
I know it's hard enough to believe that existing jumbo jests pass this test. I wonder how this new plane will be able to meet the standard.
It has not been widely reported but Airbus had has a real hard time getting the evacuation down to the required 90 seconds. Since they do not have a completed aircraft or a full scale mockup, they’re doing it all on computer. They are trying to convince the FAA and Europe’s JAA (Joint Aviation Authority) to allow the computer simulations to be enough to prove the plane can be evacuated in 90 seconds. The FAA has not been very warm to the idea but naturally it has been well received by the JAA.
Actually, NW still flies the 747-200, which is a dinosaur, they have been adding A330's to their fleet lately. NW still flies DC-9's, very jurrasic airliners...
Ah yes, the good old Jurassic Jets. As long as an aircraft is maintained, it can safely fly for decades. Look @ the B-52’s. Also, age is not the primary factor in deciding when to retire an aircraft. The number of cycles (A cycle=1 takeoff, 1 landing) is what determines when an aircraft is ready for retirement. Northwest plans to operate their DC-9’s until 100,000 cycles which is just about the end of their life unless NW wants to spend a heck of a lot more money on the aircraft. The 747-200’s are not as old as many of the DC-9’s but they’re getting up there as well. Just remember, the last 747-200’s were built in the mid to late 1980’s so that really isn’t that old. (Two of the last 747-200’s built are the two VC-25’s aka Air Force One).