Home Miscellaneous Spotting Who Still Flies the 737-600?

Who Still Flies the 737-600?

by Matt Falcus

When Boeing developed its Next Generation of 737 airliners in the 1990s, it was following on the best-selling range of classics that were developed after the initial -100 and -200 models. These saw the -300, -400 and -500 models, which each offered a different capacity and range, giving airlines the chance to tailor their fleets while retaining pilot commonality and all the popular features of the 737.

The Next Generation range covered the 737-600, -700, -800 and -900. The 737-600 was the smallest, and roughly equated to the 737-200 and -500, which were both popular variants in the previous product ranges.

However, with the 737-600, Boeing recorded the lowest number of orders of any 737 variant apart from the original -100. Why was this so?

By the time the Next Generation series were being marketed, many airlines were looking for extra capacity, particularly with the advent of the low-cost boom which was arriving by storm. 737 models with greater capacity, like the -800, were much more favoured by airlines who could sell more seats and make more money since the operating costs of each type were similar.

Interestingly, the 737-600 corresponded with the smallest member of the Airbus A320 family, the A318. This was also the worst seller of this series, reflecting a similar lack of appetite from airlines.

 

How Many 737-600s Were Built?

EC-ING. B-737/600. Air Europa. PMI.

Only 69 Boeing 737-600s were built.

The first was delivered in 1998, and the last in 2006.

 

Which Airlines Flew the 737-600?

SAS-Boeing-737-600

The launch customer of the 737-600 was SAS Scandinavian Airlines. This airline also had the world’s largest fleet of the type, numbering 30. They were retired in 2019.

Other airlines which operated the 737-600 include:

  • Air Algerie
  • Air China
  • Air Europa
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avolar
  • China Southwest Airlines
  • Eastar Jet
  • EG&G Janet Airlines
  • Flyglobespan
  • Lauda Air
  • Malev
  • Orenair
  • TAESA
  • Tunisair
  • WestJet

 

Who Still Flies the 737-600?

January 2021 saw the last service of the 737-600 in Tunisair’s fleet. All of its aircraft are now parked or heading to storage locations. This has left just three airlines flying the now rare type.

Boeing 737-600 Air Algerie

Air Algerie – The national carrier of Algeria has five 737-600s in its fleet at present. These are flown on regional and international services from Algiers and Oran to destinations in Europe and Africa.

737-600 N273RH

EG&G – Known widely as ‘Janet Airlines’ after its callsign, this secretive airline flies a small fleet of six 737-600s between Las Vegas McCarran and various air bases in the western United States. The aircraft ferry workers to and from these high security locations, including the fabled Area 51, and you’ll find it hard to track them.

C-GPWS July 18 2015

WestJet – Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet operates the final 737-600 to be built, along with 12 others. It has not indicated a timeline for retiring the type, but with modern 737 MAX aircraft joining the fleet it must surely be thinking of a transition in the coming years with these aircraft now 15 years old.

 

I only managed to fly on the 737-600 twice – both times with Malev in 2005. Did you ever fly on the 737-600? What did you think of it? Leave a comment below.

 

 

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7 comments

Roger Fozzard January 27, 2021 - 1:30 pm

Flew SAS737.600 from Manchester to Stockholm & return in 2012. Didn’t seem any different to any other 737 variant.

Reply
MERVYN CROWE January 28, 2021 - 3:44 am

Yip flew on SAS 737-600 LN-RCU 13/05/07 LHR/SVG, my only time on a 600. I have been very fortunate in flying the 200/300/400/500/600/700 and 800. From memory, a comfy flight and very enjoyable, with a good snack meal. We were travelling on my staff ID90 ticket as well…the good old days.

Reply
Martin White January 29, 2021 - 9:31 pm

I flew on Lauda/Austrian 736 OE-LNM in May2004 LGW-INN-LGW. As good as the other 737’s. Fantastic views of the Alps on departure from Innsbruck too

Reply
Joshua Peace February 3, 2021 - 3:09 pm

I’ve flown on it at least 10+ times, all with WestJet. It’s a nice small little aircraft, perfects for the routes it flies.

Reply
Alistair Reid October 10, 2022 - 6:32 pm

Had booked a dream trip LHR-JFK on my first 35K with VS then LGA-YYZ with WS 736 and connecting to CDG on AF 359 and LHR on AF 320.

Unfortunately my departure date was March 12 2020 as everything was closing down behind me including NYC.

Everyone urged me to me get home and I called my agent but it cost about £475 extra as I indulge myself with Business Class now that I am retired.

Worked in the airline industry and operated on Concorde for 7 years.

Reply
Jonny April 7, 2023 - 6:12 pm

Southwest never flew -600 models

Reply
Feng January 21, 2024 - 5:22 pm

I have flown with Westjet 737-600 many times between 2010 and 2012, mostly from Calgary to Hamilton, Toronto, very comfortable and nice planes.

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