Sierra Pacific Airlines Boeing 737-200 taken at Boeing Field (BFI). Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren.
I am always game for an airline in the US operating with a few classic Boeing 737-200s. It is rare to find one still operating in the US and soon, it will surely be impossible.
Sierra Pacific Airlines was founded in 1971 and currently operates two 737-200s (N703S and N712S) out of their base in Tucson, AZ. The airline runs charters and sub-charters for other airlines, while also running flights for the US Forest Service, US Military and the US Marshals.
Like most classic airliners, comes a classic livery and Sierra Pacific is no different. The livery rocks that cheat-line that is not seen on many of today’s modern jets.
Seeing this livery next to others a bit more modern, it comes up a bit short. Yet seeing it as an historical package, how can one not like it?
Reminds me of the graphics for the game “Contra” on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Still pretty retro-cool though.
I’ve always enjoyed the -100s and -200s. I think the best two liveries on those were Western Airlines (swizzle stick cheat line) and PSA’s tri-color ones.
The 737-200s, introduced while 707sand 720s were still common, always struck me as downright cute. They still are.
Cook, I don’t see you using the word “cute” for some reason. But I have to agree with you.
David
Much smaller, compact, perhaps limited range, but with at least the *potential* to deliver the same, 707-style space and service. Of course, it has evolved through the years and the largest 737s now carry as many (more) seats as did the original 707s. What originated as a ‘half-sized pint’ copy of its big brother has become the best selling commercial airplane of all time. Still, the early -100 and -200 series airframes were, in my dated view, ‘cute.’ Hope that helps.
— on t he meaning of words, I’ll assume that y ou know the difference between ‘advise’ and ‘advice,’ and we’ll call it a type-o. Proof reading, with at least four eyes is still a firm suggestion. You’re self-written posts are improving, a lot. Thank you.
Saw this nice-looking bird (N712S) warm-up and depart OMA this morning. Didn’t realize quite how old it was/is, but I did notice how much longer its takeoff distance was as compared to any of the newer small commercial jets, i.e. E170, 738, CRJ7.