American Airlines is synonymous with iconic aircraft like the MD-80 and the Boeing 727. Yet, there’s a lesser-known chapter in its storied history involving the Boeing 737-100, the original version of the world’s most popular jet airliner.
The Advent of the Boeing 737-100
In 1968, the Boeing 737-100 made its debut, catching the attention of airlines worldwide with its compact design and efficiency. While it primarily served Lufthansa, a small slice of this aviation history found its way to American Airlines, albeit briefly.
American Airlines’ Brief Experience
American Airlines never directly purchased the 737-100. Instead, it inherited two Boeing 737-123 aircraft through its 1987 merger with AirCal. Previously, AirCal had acquired these planes from Aloha Airlines in 1977. These aircraft were not repainted in the American Airlines livery but retained their AirCal colors with added American titles, operating on short domestic routes during the early 1980s.
Transition to the 737-200
Alongside the 737-100s, American Airlines also operated the Boeing 737-200, again obtained from AirCal. This model served as a stopgap during the airline’s transition period—bridging operations while phasing out older aircraft such as the BAC One-Eleven and early Boeing 727s. However, neither the 737-100 nor the 737-200 became a permanent fixture, as American shifted focus to larger aircraft like the DC-9 Super 80.
The Legacy of the 737-100
With only 30 units ever built, the Boeing 737-100 remains a rare part of aviation history. American Airlines’ brief operation of this model is a captivating footnote, highlighting a time when airlines were more experimental in their fleet choices. Regrettably, both of American’s 737-100s have since been retired and scrapped, with only one example of the model preserved at Seattle’s Museum of Flight.
Conclusion
American Airlines’ stint with the Boeing 737-100 may have been short-lived, but it serves as a reminder of the diverse evolution of its fleet over the years. While the airline has long since moved on to advanced aircraft, the 737-100 represents a unique chapter in its rich history.
