The Argentine Aircraft Factory (FAdeA) has completed the painting process for the Boeing 737-700, formerly of Aerolíneas Argentinas (registration LV-BZA), which now displays the colors of its new operator: Boliviana de Aviación (BOA). The aircraft was part of the fleet of the Argentine state-owned company, featuring the SkyTeam global alliance livery.
According to information shared on LinkedIn, the aircraft is reportedly ready to be delivered to its new owner, who will receive it under a long-term lease agreement with AerCap. The departure of the 737-700 from Aerolíneas Argentinas is part of the airline’s narrow-body fleet modernization plan, which is expected to consist mainly of 737-800, 737 MAX 8, and Embraer E190 models.
After the departure of LV-BZA, Aerolíneas Argentinas will have six Boeing 737-700, of which five are leased from AerCap (LV-CAP, LV-BZO, LV-CAD, LV-CBF, and LV-CBT), and two are owned (LV-GOO and LV-BYY). The first 737-700, specifically the BZA, arrived at the company on June 4, 2009, to begin replacing the Boeing 737-200 and 737-500.
From 2009 to the present, Argentina’s flag carrier has operated 22 Boeing 737-700, which have been gradually retired as new 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft were added to the fleet. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in MAX deliveries disrupted the fleet modernization process, forcing Aerolíneas to retain the last six 737-700 aircraft that were scheduled for retirement.
Much debate has surrounded the future of these aircraft, but they cannot escape the passage of time, which makes them more costly to operate. Currently, the 737-700s are essential on routes such as Aeroparque-Bogotá and serve as a flexible option between the Embraer 190 and Boeing 737-800, covering flights with excess demand for the E190 and low demand for the 737-800.
The 737-700, formerly of Aerolíneas Argentinas and recently painted by FAdeA in the colors of Boliviana de Aviación, is the first of three to be repainted and delivered to the Bolivian state-owned airline. The addition of these three Boeing 737-700s will support the retirement of their four Boeing 737-300s, which average 30 years of age and currently operate exclusively in the domestic market.
More painting work for FAdeA
FAdeA’s commercial maintenance center (MRO) continues its painting work on Aerolíneas Argentinas’ fleet. Following the completion of work on the 737-700 LV-BZA, the repainting of the fourth Embraer E190 will begin.
This week, the Embraer E190, registered as LV-CID, departed from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for FAdeA, where it will be painted in Aerolíneas Argentinas’ livery. The aircraft last flew on October 13 and subsequently underwent a Check-C inspection. Finally, on December 9, it was transferred to Córdoba to start the painting process.
