The Boeing 737 Album

Photographic Copyright Caz Caswell © 1982-2008

Douglas Holland Writes:
When I first saw this picture, I got a 'feeling' that something was a little odd, so I decided to investigate:

The Aircraft was at date the picture taken still technically part of the Lufthansa Fleet (D-ABED). It had been provisionally sold to Far Eastern Air Transport (Taiwan), but that Transaction had been cancelled and the Aircraft was in the process of being acquired by Asia Aviation Service (Taiwan).

So why the Venezuelan registration, well Asia Aviation Service had pre-leased the Aircraft to SAVAR
(Servicios Aereas Varinas) with whom it remained until sold to America West Airlines in April 1984.

So a slightly unusual situation, but no mystery, except that registration YV-406C is allocated to, and used by a Beech 1900D of Avior Airlines!

But this it appears, is due the Venezuelan Authorities reusing the registration 20 years after cancelling it. (I wish they wouldn't do that)!

However I was now intrigued by Asia Aviation Service (Taiwan) which has only ever owned three Aircraft and this is what I have gleaned:

YV-406C:
From 22nd December 1982 to 06th April 1984
Ex D-ABED purchased from Lufthansa - Leased to SAVAR - Sold to America West as N703AW

D-ABEC:
From 01st April 1983 to 06th April 1984
Purchased from Lufthansa, after Far Eastern Air Transport (Taiwan) Transaction Cancelled - Leased to: ? - Sold to America West as N703AW

D-ABEA:
From 01st April 1983 to 06th April 1984
Purchased from Lufthansa, after Far Eastern Air Transport (Taiwan) Transaction Cancelled - Leased to: ? - Sold to America West as N701AW

Whilst I have several theories on the Asia Aviation Service (Taiwan) ownership of these aircraft and in particular
YV-406C, perhaps someone knows the complete story. If so PLEASE contact Caz through the email link below and put us both out of our misery.

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