Out with the Old, in with the MAX at Southwest

On Friday, 29 September Southwest Airlines retired the last 30 737-300 ‘Classics’ in its fleet ahead of the 737 MAX’s entry into service today. Southwest was the launch customer for the 737-300 in 1984 and took delivery of 150 of the type direct from Boeing. Southwest currently has 200 737 MAX on order. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 13: Hurricanes and DSLRs

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In episode 13, we look at the effects of Hurricane Harvey on aviation and see how airlines are helping with relief efforts. GE Aviation retires the oldest active 747. Southwest Airlines takes delivery of its first 737 MAX and American Airlines isn’t too far behind. We get surprised by the possible new home for the first production A380s. And we again welcome Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren to the podcast to hear about another 747 retirement and how we can improve our avgeek photography. (more…)

The Oldest Active 747 Enters Retirement

Last week, GE Aviation announced it was officially storing its 747-100 Flying Test Bed, making the 747’s 25 January flight almost certainly its last. N747GE was the oldest 747 in active service. (more…)

Where Airplanes Retire

We’ve previously written about where airplanes are born and where they’re maintained, but what happens when they’re ready to retire? Around the world, aircraft ‘boneyards’ are used to store aircraft, either permanently or until they find new life with another airline. (more…)