Airways Magazine May/June 2021

IN 2015, my long-time friend Orlando Suárez and I embarked on a quick journey across the United States. In a single day, we departed from Washington-Reagan National, headed to Atlanta to score a flight on a Delta Air Lines MD-90, then to Dallas-Love Field on a Boeing 717, and, once there, we rented a car, went to Founders Plaza in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for a few hours to enjoy the traffic and take pictures, before returning to Washington DC late in the evening. When I recount this kind of adventure to my non-aviation friends or relatives, they look at me with puzzled expressions, asking me why in the world I would take a particular aircraft or airline, cross time zones in hours, and zip back? Go through the hassle of…

Hello, Airways, Your article on Air Europe (Airways, Mar/Apr 2021) brought back many happy memories. I was working in Brussels in 1988, when they started their service to Gatwick, and often took advantage of their excellent Business Class. Even though we weren’t at cruising height for much more than 25 or 30 minutes, that was still enough time for the crew to serve everyone a hot meal. They were a class act and it’s a shame they didn’t survive. David Ljunggren Ottawa, Canada Hi, Airways, I just wanted to compliment Nuala Galbari on her article in the March/April 2021 issue. What a well written, interesting, and delightful account of her early days as a Flight Attendant. I really enjoyed reading it. I look forward to more from Ms. Galbari. And thank you for bringing me such great…

ON THE COVER Since its inception, Southwest Airlines has almost exclusively operated Boeing 737s. The airline is the world’s largest operator of the type, and was the launch customer of the 737-300, 737-500, and 737-700. The dramatic Background with the Mount Rainier attests this long-lasting partnership. PHOTO BRANDON FARRIS SOCIAL MEDIA airwaysmag 2,666 likes Okay, we will admit. Some of you guys were too clever… Airways Magazine is still here and our #AprilFool is over! And seeing as though the month of March is over, let’s look back at some of your favorite articles from the past month! • Final Bombardier CRJ Comes off Production Line,• Today in Aviation: First Flight of the Boeing 747-8I,• Delta Air Lines Adds New Routes, More Destinations,• One of a Kind Visit to Victorville (+PHOTOS),• Garuda Indonesia Orders the Airbus A330-800. OUR MOST…

1 ALASKA AIRLINES BOEING 737-990(ER) N487AS MSN 44108 · LN 5597 On March 31, 2021, Alaska Airlines (AS) became the 14th member of oneworld. To mark the event, the airline has painted one of its 737-900(ERP)s with ‘oneworld’ titles on the front section of the fuselage and the AS logo in a light gray tone beneath it. 2 EASTERN AIRLINES BOEING 767-323(ER) N36NE MSN 25193 · LN 388 In 2017, the New England Patriots took delivery of two Boeing 767-300(ER) team planes. During the pandemic, these aircraft have been transporting personal protective equipment (PPE) and now wear titles urging people to get COVID-19 vaccinated. 3 AVELO AIRLINES BOEING 737-8F2 N802XT MSN 34405 · LN 1828 Avelo Airlines (XP) is a US airline startup created by a former Allegiant Travel and United Airlines executive. Based in Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), it offers…

IN 1971, when Southwest took to the air for the first time, the nation’s airline network was firmly under the control of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). The Board awarded Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to companies that it deemed fit to be a part of America’s scheduled airline fraternity. Once an airline possessed such a certificate, it could carry passengers, freight, and the U.S. mail among the cities it was certificated to serve; it could interline traffic with other certificated carriers; and it was basically protected from excess competition because the CAB controlled the number of airlines allowed to serve any single route. The CAB also regulated fare structures. All airlines had to charge the same rate for the same class of service and any special or promotional fares…

ALL OF SOUTHWEST’S creative liveries originate at Austin-based GSD&M. The advertising agency has represented Southwest since 1981 and is responsible for the airline’s amusing, clever, and irreverent advertising campaigns. GDS&M has cataloged Southwest’s colorful liveries into four different groups: the Custom, Flagship, Spirit, and Signature series. THE CUSTOM SERIES The first Custom specialty livery debuted on May 23, 1988. A Boeing 737-300 (N334SW · MSN 23938 · LN 1549) painted like a killer whale celebrated Southwest’s marketing partnership with the Sea World Adventure Parks. The aircraft was christened Shamu after the orca star of the killer whale shows at SeaWorld San Diego between 1965 and 1971. At the time of its debut, Shamu stirred up some joshing between Bob Crandall, American Airlines (AA) CEO, and Southwest’s chief, Herb Kelleher. Crandall called to congratulate…