Balkan’s last two combi-configured Il-18Ds were phased out in February 1999. During their last five years, the Il-18Ds achieved an average daily utilisation of under two hours.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Ильюшин Ил-18 - РоссияRussia - 1957

Three Junkers Ju 52/3m were provided by the Bulgarian Air Force to the newly-formed Air Communications Directorate in December 1946. These were used to inaugurate the first domestic scheduled services from Sofia to Bourgas and Varna.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Junkers Ju.52/3m - ГерманияGermany - 1931

Balkan’s only commuter aircraft, the elderly Antonov An-24V, is used mainly for domestic and limited regional passenger and cargo services. Six examples are still in service and their retirement is expected in early 2000 and 2001.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Антонов Ан-24 - РоссияRussia - 1960

One of the main tasks for Balkan's An-12s, the carrier’s main cargo type, is the transportation of livestock to the Near East. When needed, additional An-12s are dry-leased from Russian sources.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Антонов Ан-12 - РоссияRussia - 1957

Two Lisunov Li-2s entered service with the Bulgarian air carrier in 1947. Eight more followed in 1948 and 1949, and the type was the main TABSO aircraft until the introduction of the Il-14 in 1957.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Лисунов Ли-2 / ПС-84 - РоссияRussia - 1939

Tu-154Ms are still the principal medium-range aircraft, utilised mainly for Near/Middle East and African routes. LZ-BTH is seen taking-off from Bourgas Airport, providing charter services from West Europe to the Black Sea holiday towns in the Summer season.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-154 - РоссияRussia - 1968

Tu-154Bs, such as LZ-BTG (illustrated), are near the end of their 20-year-plus career. The airline’s new owner, Zeevi Group, announced in late 1999 that it intends to replace the Tu-154s with leased Boeing 737-300s in early 2000.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Туполев Ту-154 - РоссияRussia - 1968

Largest airliner in Balkan’s fleet was the Boeing 767-200ER. Two ex-UTA aircraft, registered F-GHGD (seen here) and F-GHGE, were operated from April 1991 to March 1999.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 767 - СШАUSA - 1981

Airbus A320s saw a brief service with Balkan - four aircraft were leased from Oryx from 1992 to 1996. LZ-ABC/Rhodope is seen taxying at Sofia Airport in the spring of 1994.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A320 - InternationalInternational - 1987

Although Balkan usually flew Antonov 24s to Belgrade, Boeing B737-500 LZ-BOA City of Sofia was used to promote the re-opening of the Sofia-Belgrade route (following the 1992-94 ban) on May 26, 1997. B737-500s have gained a reputation as the most reliable Western-made airliner to be used by Balkan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 737-300 - СШАUSA - 1984