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.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

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.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Ex-Sabena Caravelles were passed over to the airline’s non-IATA subsidiaiy, Sobelair flying them from spring 1971 to the mid-1970s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sud-Est Caravelle / SE.210 - ФранцияFrance - 1955

Following a period with DC-4s, Sobelair operated two DC-6s, of which OO-CTL is seen at Brussels in 1962.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-6 / C-118 Liftmaster - СШАUSA - 1946

An exotic setting for one of Sobelair’s two Boeing 767s.

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

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.

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

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.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 737 - СШАUSA - 1967

Today, with 737-300s (shown) and -400s, the company shows a steadily expanding performance.

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

One of the high-density (up to 168 passengers) 737-400s operating a Sabena flight to Manchester in February 1994.

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