Tech & Auto
The Oldest Aircraft Still Being Used Today
By JUSTIN OWEN
Airbus A300-B2
The Airbus A300 was developed in the 1970s as a medium-range passenger aircraft. It would be the first twin-engine widebody airliner.
Most passenger versions have been replaced, but the A300 is still used for transporting cargo. As of 2020, Iran Air had at least one in service, but it may have been stored since.
B-52 Stratofortress
Following its initial testing in 1953, the B-52 Stratofortress has kept the skies over America and elsewhere safe for decades.
The aircraft underwent an upgrade process, during which new engines were installed and the avionics updated, so they will be fit to see service until 2040.
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 first flew in 1947 and entered serial production in 1949 in Kyiv. It became popular across the Soviet Union for its ability to seemingly fly anywhere.
Today, it is estimated that up to 90% of routes to small and distant destinations are served by An-2s produced over the last 70 years alongside versions still made in China.
Lockheed U-2
To help the U.S. stay a step ahead of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Lockheed developed the U-2 spy plane, which could fly at 70,000 feet.
The U-2 is still in service and has been upgraded many times with the latest in sophisticated electronic surveillance to provide the U.S. with invaluable intelligence.
Boeing 737-200
The Boeing 737 is a popular narrow-body aircraft that has been in production since 1967 and is used worldwide. Over the years, it has seen upgrades and new models.
However, Nolinor Aviation still uses the older 737-200 model for its ability to rapidly change the type of payload and carry it to cold and icy locations.