Boeing 737-229

G-CEAH Boeing 737-229(A) (cn 21135) previously registered as OO-SDG is one of a batch of fifteen Boeing 737-200 series aircraft ordered by Belgian airline Sabena in 1973, their first aircraft registered as OO-SDA was delivered in April 1974. The 200 was used to replace their fleet of Sud Caravelle aircraft as well as to supplement their existing Boeing 727’s. OO-SDG first flew in May 1975 and was delivered to Sabena in Brussels in June. It entered service on the airline’s routes across Europe, which expanded over time, leading to further 737’s being ordered. At the time the majority of major European airlines were operating 737s, although some operated the rival Douglas DC-9. Sabena decided to supplement its 200 series aircraft with a mix of 300/400/500 series aircraft which were ordered in 1988.

Sabena later switched to a fleet of Airbus A.320/321’s which entered service in the mid 1990’s. The remaining fleet of thirteen 737-200 aircraft were sold to European Aviation of Bournemouth in May 1998. However, along with some of the other aircraft, OOSDG continued in use with Sabena for a while longer. Finally taken out of service in January 2000, OO-SDG had all Sabena markings removed and was initially stored at Brussels. In July it flew to Paris Le Bourget for maintenance prior to being delivered to European in October 2000.

OO-SDG was re-registered as G-CEAH and was overhauled for use by European Aviation Air Charter. Along with their other Boeings, G-CEAH replaced European’s ageing fleet of BAC One-Elevens which no longer met worldwide noise regulations. After delivery to Bournemouth in October 2000 the aircraft initially remained in an all white colour scheme. It later received EAL house colours until 2007 when it was returned to it’s original white. Frequently G-CEAH operated ACMI charters around Europe (frequently out of Manchester) for a variety of airlines including Palmair, Jet2 & Bmi Baby.

G-CEAH was one of four 737’s still flying with European Aviation when the company went into administration at the end of November 2008. Along with the majority of their fleet it was stored at Bournemouth, but did not find a new buyer. After slowly deteriorating, it was broken up at the end of March 2013 with the main fuselage section saved and moved to the Museum in December 2013. Repainted with locally based Palmair titles and name ‘The Spirit of Peter Bath’.

If judged by numbers sold, the Boeing 737 is the world’s most successful jet airliner, it can be found in service in nearly every country of the world. First flown in April 1967, initial orders for the Pratt & Whitney JT8D engined 737 were placed by airlines Lufthansa and United. Entering service with Lufthansa in February 1968, only a few of the initial 100 series aircraft were built, with United and other airlines operating the lengthened 200 series.

Seeking to improve on their successful design, Boeing produced the 300 series which flew in February 1984. The major change was the fitting of more economical CFM56 engines which proved much quieter and more fuel efficient. A number of airframe changes were also made to improve the 737’s performance. The introduction of this new version soon brought an increase in sales. In order to give airlines a greater choice the 400 and 500 series were also introduced which had longer and shorter fuselages respectively.

Having been in successful service for twenty-five years, Boeing decided that further updates were required in order to retain the 737’s leading market position. This led to the Next Generation (NG) 737, which again was offered in a variety of fuselage lengths, resulting in the 600, 700, 800 and 900. An improved version of the CFM engine was introduced, along with a new advanced technology wing design. As at autumn 2014 sales of 737s had reached 12,300.

In 2011 Boeing announced the 737MAX which would replace the 700, 800 and 900 series from 2017. Among the many improvements are ‘greener’ CFM LEAP engines which will reduce emissions and noise levels. Further improvements will also be made to the wing design.