Europe’s First Boeing 737-300 Dismantled at Belgrade Airport
The Boeing 737-300 with registration YU-AND, delivered to JAT Yugoslav Airlines in the summer of 1985 and the first jet aircraft used for passenger transport in Europe, was dismantled at Belgrade Airport.
History and Significance
After its first commercial flight on the Belgrade–Istanbul route in August 1985, the aircraft continued to Amman. JAT introduced the Boeing 737-300 into commercial service before major European carriers such as Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, and Air France.
YU-AND later served with Air Serbia under the special entertainment brand Aviolet and was used for regular scheduled flights for the Serbian airline.
Retirement and Dismantling Process
After 35 years of uninterrupted service, the aircraft was permanently retired in March 2020, coinciding with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although it was planned to be displayed at a nearby Aviation Museum, it was seen being dismantled yesterday at Belgrade Airport.
Technical Information
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MSN: 23329
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LN: 1134
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Rollout Date: 2 June 1985
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First Flight: 12 July 1985
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Delivered to JAT: 31 July 1985
The Boeing 737-300 marked a milestone in European commercial aviation, becoming one of the pioneers of modern jet passenger transport and securing its place in aviation history.
