My favorite part of flying is keeping an eye out for brand-new planes like the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A321neo. Seeing a Boeing 737 MAX, which is quite uncommon, at one of our airports is also something that has captured my interest. But there’s one plane in particular that never fails to pique my interest whenever I see it, and I’m guessing it’s the oldest commercial passenger jet still in service in the country.
The SEAir Boeing 737-200C is 43 years old. It was just delivered to the airline in 2021, and its registration number is RP-C4753.
The RP-C4753 is currently being put to use by SEAir as a cargo plane. However, in the distant past, it served as passenger transport. Avgeeks, however, would likely pay for a seat on an aircraft that is 40 years old or older. Even though I’m used to the relative silence of the PW1100G-JM and CFM56 turbofan engines, I would still love to hear the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17A roar when it takes off.
Service history of RP-C4753
Even though it was only delivered to SEAir over the past few years, RP-C4753 has already been deemed the oldest commercial passenger jet in the Philippines. After making its first flight on October 12, 1979, this Boeing 737-200 began service with Federal Express on October 26, 1979. The plane became part of Alaska Airlines’ fleet as N741AS in 1981.
After then, it was put into storage until 2007. However, it is unclear whether N741AS was used only for freight by Alaska Airlines or if it also carried passengers at some point.
Fair Aviation of South Africa purchased the plane in 2007 and used it as a freight plane. After that, in 2013, International Trans Air Business purchased the Boeing 737-200, registration number 9Q-CDJ. The 737-200C was then purchased in 2021 by SEAir of the Philippines for use solely as a cargo plane, with the registration number RP-C4753.
You may be wondering why I gave it the designation of a passenger plane when its primary function was transporting cargo. The 737-200C is a versatile plane that can do both roles as a passenger aircraft and a full freighter. The plane includes windows for the passengers and a wide door opening for loading goods on the port side of the fuselage.
It is hard to forecast until RP-C4753 will be in service with SEAir but while she is around, it would definitely be lovely to spot the oldest flying commercial passenger jet in the Philippines. It’s just amazing how SEAir’s MRO can keep this plane in good flying condition.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
