Before switching to Airbus, Philippine Airlines operated a majority Boeing fleet, including the 737, Boeing’s best-selling aircraft. PAL operated two variants of this aircraft, the 737-300 and the 737-400, from 1989 to 2006. Some of them were even transferred to the fleet of Air Philippines. The Airbus A320 family is currently replacing all 737s. As a result, we’re left wondering what happened to the former PAL 737 jets. Are they still in the air?
A few continue to fly to this day
The Boeing 737 was a mainstay of PAL’s domestic and short-haul international flights. They were common in our skies until 2005, when PAL gradually began to transition to Airbus for its narrowbody aircraft needs. As Cebu Pacific began operating a fleet of brand new A320s and A319s, it was the ideal time for PAL to transition to a more modern and efficient narrowbody aircraft. As a result, PAL needed to remain competitive while also maintaining a younger fleet.
While no 737s are currently flying with PAL, even as cargo aircraft, some of these ex-PAL 737s are still flying with other airlines as passenger aircraft and full freighters. PAL used a total of 18 Boeing 737s, including 15 737-300s and three 737-400s. Eight of the original 18 are still flying today. There are five ex-PAL 737-300s and three 737-400s.
Ex-PAL 737 still active
Let’s take a look at the aircraft that are still in service. As previously stated, 5 of the 15 ex-PAL 737-300s are still in service. Some have been stored, some have been scrapped, and one has been written off due to an explosion in 1989. Fortunately, all former PAL 737-400 aircraft are still in service. The 737s must be over 30 years old on average!
737-300
- RP-C4011 now with Bluebird Airways as passenger aircraft
- RP-C4010 now with ZExcel Aviation as cargo aircraft
- RP-C4007 now with Tarco Air as passenger aircraft
- RP-C4005 now with Sideral Linhas Aereas as cargo aircraft
- EI-BZH now with West Atlantic as cargo aircraft
737-400
- EI-CZP now with Allied Air as cargo aircraft
- EI-CVO now with Fuerza Aerea Colombiana as cargo aircraft
- EI-CVN now with the Indonesian Air Force
It’s great that some ex-PAL 737 jets are still flying! What are the chances of PAL acquiring Boeing 737 aircraft, such as the 737 MAX? Possibilities are unlikely because PAL has relied on Airbus A320s for its narrowbody needs for years. Simultaneously, many commercial pilots in the Philippines have already received certification to fly the Airbus A320. Airbus has achieved cockpit commonality across its product line, making the transition from one Airbus jet to another less expensive.
The only Boeing left in PAL’s fleet though is the 777-300ER was has been a strong workhorse for PAL’s long-haul services.
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