Air Pictorial 1999-10
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M.Wickstead - Sobelair /Airline Profile/
Like many post-war fledgling airlines, war-surplus C-47s formed the backbone of Sobelair’s operations. In the photo, crews pose for a group picture in front of OO-SBC, previously KG645 with the RAF and registered to the Belgian operator in May 1947.
Like many post-war fledgling airlines, war-surplus C-47s formed the backbone of Sobelair’s operations. In the photo, founders (l to r) Jean Creteur, Robert Kegeleirs, Gaby Creteur and engineer M Teirlinck, with the company’s second DC-3 in December 1946.
Ex-Sabena Caravelles were passed over to the airline’s non-IATA subsidiaiy, Sobelair flying them from spring 1971 to the mid-1970s.
Following a period with DC-4s, Sobelair operated two DC-6s, of which OO-CTL is seen at Brussels in 1962.
An exotic setting for one of Sobelair’s two Boeing 767s.
To cater for the long-range charters to the Americas and the Far East, Sobelair leased Boeing 767-33AER OO-SBY in June 1994, followed by ’STF two years later. A further two are due in March and May 2000.
In the late 1970s, more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-200s replaced the 707s on flights to Spain - where OO-SBT was pictured in 1983 - and to Mediterranean resorts.
Today, with 737-300s (shown) and -400s, the company shows a steadily expanding performance.
One of the high-density (up to 168 passengers) 737-400s operating a Sabena flight to Manchester in February 1994.