Differences between Classics and NGs

Going through my archives, I found a couple of 737 diversion pictures. They were Southwest 737s. I ended up getting both -300s and -700s. Upon closer examination, I found some details that would help spotters determine whether the airplane is a classic or a NG.

1. Fleets: Obviously, If you see a Continental (United) 737, it's going to be a NG. If it's a US airways bird, it's going to be a classic.

2. Winglets: All 737 classics which have the 2 degree drooped flap can't have winglets. This is all of the B734s. if it's not stubby and has no winglets (and it isn't an oddball Air China bird), then it's a 737-400.

3. Static Ports: The 737NGs have a large unpainted plate, as N405WN demonstrates,

and N654SW lacks.

The best way to figure these out is the static port, if you're up close. If not, hope you know your fleets!

Happy Spotting (And Identification!)

Thoughts on EAS Service out of Pueblo

Yesterday, Great Lakes announced More service from DEN to PUB. Great Lakes operates DEN-PUB as Part of the Essential Air Service Program. I decided to do some digging about ZK's PUB EAS operations.

The DOT Docket has Great Lakes Subsidized for 12 flights at a cost of $1.3 Million.This money was based on an estimated loss of $1.21 Million. two question arise:

1:Why is Great Lakes increasing service to Pueblo when they expect to make a loss?

2: Does Great lakes need the subsidy if they are going to go to 2x the service in the subsidies?

Last Year, Allegiant started Service from Las Vegas to Pueblo. These flights were in addition to the many casino charters. (Yes, people in Pueblo love to gamble.) Taking a look at the DOT Passenger data, I found this:

 All flights.

 

Most of the Passengers Had Planned to Arrive in Pueblo.

 All Operations for 2010. A good portion of the flights are not subsidized.

Projected 2010 flights based on Allegiant year round operations.

So, It looks like that at Pueblo, The majority of passengers will be non-subsidized. This isn't a surprise, most People drive to either COS or DEN.

I honestly think PUB doesn't need EAS. Great Lakes flies some routes that are not EAS. If they think there is a market for PUB-DEN, then they'll fly it.

Welcome!

Welcome to Pueblo Spotting. I'll be posting some of my photos and updates from the area, as well as my opinion on some major aerospace news items.

If you're not already, be sure to follow me on twitter at @PUBspotter

Welcome to the blog!