Cargolux CL-44 TF-LLF

Hongkong-Kai Tak, early 70s (Propfreak Collection)

TF-LLF was the first CL-44 for Loftleidir and was delivered in 1964. Before regular passenger service started she was used as a demonstrator by Canadair. Built as a CL-44-D4-8 she was converted to J standard in 1966, being called the "Rolls Royce 400 Jet Prop" by the Icelandic carrier. Loftleidir used their CL-44s on trans-atlantic Luxemburg-New York, via Reykjavik, services. With their 160 seat all-economy layout, they were popular with passengers and crews alike. Converted to a she was delivered as a freighter Cargolux in 1972 - Cargolux was originally founded by Loftleidir and Swedish Shipping Company as Salloft. In 1970 when Luxair bought a stake the airline was renamed Cargolux. The cargo carrier operated a fleet of 5 CL-44s on their worldwide cargo network. TF-LLC was sold to Cargosur in 1976 and has seen many leases and last been used by Aer Turas of Ireland and Heavylift as EI-BRP before being scrapped at Southend at the end of 1992.

Saeta Boeing 707 HC-BLY

Quito, December 1989 (photo by Propfreak)

Built for Trans World Airlines in October 1963 she served for the US carrier until sold to Aerotal Colombia in 1981 - being parked for 2 years until a buyer could be found. Aerotal used her for 2 years before she was parked again. In 1985 Ecuadorian Saeta decided to add the jet to their fleet which consisted of a sole Boeing 727-95 at the time. HC-BLY entered service and was often seen at Miami during that time. I was lucky enough to sample a domestic flight on the Quito-Guayaquil route shelling out an astonishing 20 US$ for the 30 minutes flight. The 707 was scrapped at Quito in 1993.

Classic Air DC-3 HB-ISC

Switzerland, December 1998 (Propfreak Collection)

Zurich based Classic Air used 2 DC-3s for pleasure flights from 1985 until 2003. In 1998 ISC was painted into this striking scheme promoting the perfume label Alrodo. HB-ISC still resides in Switzerland, owned privately, and has been seen recently in a metallic color scheme with Swissair titles at the nose performing at several airshows throughout Switzerland.