UPS' fleet of 16 Boeing 727s will begin to retire from service from an airfield in Roswell, New Mexico in August. It marks the end of an illustrious career, which began in 1988 when UPS Airlines leased seven Boeing 727s to operate its network for the next decade, said a report in The Louisville Courier-Journal.
The aircraft, built from the 1960s to the '80s, may be recalled for service in the peak Christmas season, otherwise they'll be sold or used for spare parts.
"It's a relatively small aircraft that has a short range. It's been a good aircraft in the development of our airline, but today our trends are toward those larger, more efficient aircraft," said UPS spokesman Mark Giuffre.
Compared to the Airbus A300 that carries 24 containers and only requires a two-man crew, the B727 needs three men and can only carry eight containers. Over the last two years, UPS has placed orders for 27 Boeing 767-300ER freighters scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2012. The company also has firm commitments to buy 10 Boeing 747-400 jets to be delivered by 2008.
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