Aviation enthusiasts flock to fly on world's oldest operational passenger planes

Air Inuit in Canada also operates vintage Boeing 737-200Cs. Their fleet includes some of the oldest models still flying today. Glencore Canada similarly maintains an active Boeing 737-200C.

The oldest 'pure' passenger aircraft is a Boeing 737-200 operated by Venezolana, configured to carry only passengers on its main deck. This plane has had a long history with previous airlines like Frontier and United Airlines.

In contrast to Boeing's older fleet, Airbus does not have as many aged passenger planes due to its relatively younger establishment as an aircraft manufacturer. However, Iran Air operates a notably old Airbus A300B4 that began service in the mid-1980s and continues to fly today despite Western sanctions limiting access to newer planes.

De Havilland Canada's DHC-6-300 Twin Otters hold the title for the world's oldest active passenger planes. The Maldivian airline operates the very oldest example at over 55 years old, primarily serving short-haul routes between islands.

Concerns about flying on older aircraft often focus on safety issues. However, industry experts emphasize that maintenance plays a more critical role than age itself in determining an aircraft's reliability and longevity.

Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group highlights that economic factors drive retirements more than age alone: "Age itself does not force airplanes into retirement." Properly maintained older aircraft can continue to operate safely for many years with updated components ensuring their continued functionality.