Kalitta Charters II Says Goodbye to the Boeing 727

Michigan-based cargo operator Kalitta Charters II bid farewell to its final Boeing 727 freighter on April 5, 2024. The over 40-year-old aircraft, N729CK, completed a short flight from Willow Run Airport (KIPT) to Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport (KOSC) in Michigan, marking the end of an era for the company.

This retirement follows Kalitta Charters II’s announcement in 2024 to transition to a larger Boeing 737 freighter fleet. The carrier also operates a handful of business jets. In 2019, the company retired its DC-9 fleet.

The Boeing 727, a tri-jet airliner first introduced in the 1960s, played a significant role in the cargo industry. Kalitta acknowledged the aircraft’s legacy according to ch-aviation, highlighting its “workhorse” status and its “unmatched self-stainability in the field.”

The company operated a total of nine Boeing 727-200 freighters throughout its history, with N729CK being the last one in the fleet. Kalitta is one of a handful of U.S.-based carriers still operating the 727, including Everts Air Alaska and Towards Air.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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