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Group Varig Fleet
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> Historical Fleet (Varig only):
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Dornier Wal |
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The Dornier Wal was the first aircraft operated by Varig, which
Varig made Brazil's first commercial flight on the "Lagoon route" between Porto Alegre, Pelotas and Rio Grande. The plane was
named "Atlântico" and was operated until July 2, 1930, when it
was transferred to Syndicato Condor.
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Dornier B Merkur |
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The second Varig´s hydroplanes was christened Gaúcho as a homage to the people of Rio Grande do Sul. The P-BAAA, besides the Lagoa line, flew to the northern seacoast. It came from Germany, partially disassembled, aboard Rio de Janeiro transatlantic liner. It landed on August 16 1927, at the port the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. Together with the Atlântico, it was transferred in 1930 to Syndicato Condor, and in 1933 it was also dismantled and its parts scrapped. The Gaúcho was Dornier Merkuramodel hydroplane , monoplane, semimetallic and also with a "Heine" type propeller.
Total aircraft operated: 1
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Klemm L-25 |
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Aiming at expanding its routes, Varig began operating two Klemm L-25 airplanes in 1929. Besides transporting the mail post, they made propaganda flights in the Rio Grande do Sul countryside .The PP-VAA was named Ruyzinho and the PP-VAB Irma.
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Junkers A-50 |
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Varig expanded its lines to Rio Grande do Sul countryside in 1931, the year it acquired two single-engine Junkers A-50. The first one was given prefix P-BAAE and the second, P-BAAI, later PP-VAI. With the two aircraft, the company made several propaganda flights aiming at sensitizing the gaúcho communities to the importance of commercial aviation for Brazil. Capable of carrying only one passanger, it was mainly used in the transportationof mail pouches and small parcels. Later on, the PP-VAI, which were named Bagé and Minuano, were used as training planes at the Varig Aéreo Esporte until 1944, when it taken out of service.
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Junkers F-13 |
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The Junkers F-13 regular services started in April 1932, a time when commercial aviation was indeed a pioneering activity in Brazil. The PP-VAF was christened Livramentoand the PP-VAG, Santa Cruz, a homage to the two communities where they operated for long years.
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Messerschmitt M20 b2 |
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The M20 was considered one of the most modern aircraft of the time, because it held a WC and a closed cockpit. The model, different from the other planes, allowed the passengers to open their window glasses, just as we do in automobiles, Among the crew it as nicknamed "the Cow", due to the registration VAK ("vaca" in portuguese)
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Junkers JU 52/3M |
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Elegant, imposting and inspiring confidence, the three-engined
JU-52 was Varig´s "jumbo" by the late 30´s and early 40´s. It
only flew when the number of passengers justified the flight,
and only a few of the senior crew members were allowed to pilot
them.
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De Havilland Dragon Rapide |
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With this plane Varig flew its first international flight, on August 5 1942, between Porto Alegre and Montevideo. A that time, the company offered two weekly flights both ways. Its came equipped with a Marconi radio-goniometer, which was later removed for lack of use: there were no radio beacons at the Rio Grande do Sul airports at that time. Only Porto Alegre had a "broadcast".
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FIAT G2 |
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The only model specially built by Aeronáutica d'Itália for Bruno Mussolini, Benito Mussolini´s (the Italian "duce") son. At Varig it received the name of Jacuí, a homage to the river that integrates the gaucho territory. However, due to its Italian extraction, it was more widely known among the people as "Spaghetti".
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Lockheed
L10A/L10E Electra I |
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It was with the Electra I, prefix PP-VAP, that Varig stated to standardize its fleet, in 1943. Those planes, know as the "Electrinhas" originally covered the country side routes, the Montevideo line and subsequently, Santa Catarina and Paraná. In 1948 some Electrinhas even flew to São Paulo. Varig had two versions of the same plane: 10A and 10E. Varig flight service began on the Electra Is. A cold-snacks box was handed out to the passengers by the co-pilot, since we had no stewards in our crews at the time.
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Douglas DC-3 |
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After the end of World War II, Varig purchased a large fleet of DC-3s. With the "Douglinhas", on August 27 1946, the Porto Alegre-São Paulo-Rio de Janerio line was inaugurated. The DC3s operated on all intestate and international lines, linking Porto Alegre to Montevideo and Buenos Aires. By the end of the 60´s they only flew in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the two sothermonst states. During those 25 years this aircrat rendered invaluable services to Varig, transporting both passangers and cargo.
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Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman |
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It was used by the USA Air Force during the Second World War.
Varig operated it for freight transport. |
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Curtiss C-46 /
Curtiss Super 46C |
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With the C-46 it became possible to reach the Brazilian northeast. In this aircraft, Varig developed tow layouts De Luxe (passengers only), Mixed (Passenger and cargo) and Cargo. The Curtiss Commando and Super 46C versions, operated together with the DC-3s in the major lines of the company until the early 70s. Total operated: 13 (C-46) and 9 (Super 46C)
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Convair 240/340/440 |
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From 1954 to 1969, Varig operated most of its lines with the CV-240. In the early 50´s, the Convair 240 was one of the fastest planes in the world. The exceptional 435 km/h speed was one of the decisive factors in the decision to incorporate them into Varig´s fleet: the considerable reduction in flight time was a major point in a nation with a territory as large as Brazil´s. Varig operated thirteen of these airplanes, which it flew regularly between the major Brazilian cities, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Total operated: 13
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Lockheed L-1049G/H Super Constellation |
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In July 1955, Varig started flying to the United States, inaugurating its first intercontinental line with three Lockheed L-1049 G Super Constellation. This new route covered the following itinerary: Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Porto Alegre, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Ciudad Trujillo and New York, initially with two weekly flights. It was on this aircraft that Varig develped its great experience in in-flight and ground services, establishing a new milestone in the progress of Brazilian commercial aviation. Total operated: 9
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Sud Aviation SE210 Caravelle III |
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Brazil entered the jet age in September 1959, when two Caravelle jets were incorporated into Rio-New York route. With the introduction of jet aircraft, the flight which used to take 25 hour, was reduced to 14 hours. Varig was the first airline to operate pure jets at Idlewild airport (today JFK). In 1960, with the arrival of the B707 the Caravelles started to operate the pacific coast routes and, further on, the domestic network. Total operated: 3
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Boeing
707-441 /
Boeing 707-320 |
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Continuint its pioneering activity of introducing jets to Brazil, in 1960 Varig incorporated the B707´s, the fastest commercial aircraft at that time. The first B707s - PP-VJA, PP-VJB and PP-VJJ came equipped with Rolls Royce Conway MK 508 turbines; the subsequent ones came with Pratt & Whitney engines. These airplanes operated on the major intercontinental routes, both transporting passengers and cargo. Total operated: 3 (400) and 17 (300)
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Douglas DC-6B |
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When it incorporated the Real-Aerovias Consortium, Varig also incorporated fives DC-6B, passenger version. They flew on the company´s domestic routes. Total operated: 5
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Lockheed L-188A - Electra II |
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In 1962, Varig receoved its first Lockheed L-188A aircraft, which were used on the domestic routes. During a certain time, these planes flew the "Friendship Flights" connecting Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, with stopovers in Recife and in the Island of Salt. The Electra II flew the Rio-São Paulo Shuttle service from September 1962 to Jaunuary 6 1992, almost 30 years of service on this line, in total. Between 1967 and 1987, they were the only aircraft operating on the Rio-São Paulo Shuttle service, the second busiest route in the world (second only to the New York-Washington route). Varig purchased 14 such aircraft. The PP-VJM, the first turbo-propeller purchased in 1962 flew the last Electra flight in Brazil, on 6 January 1992. This airplane is now in exhibition at the Campo dos Afonsos Aero-Space Museum, in Rio de Janeiro. Total operated: 15
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Convair 990A |
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The three first CV-990 Coronados were ordered by Real Aerovias in 1960, but due to the delay in delivery, they were received by Varig in 1963, because Varig had already taken over Real and other companies in its consortium. The CV-990 PP-VJE, PP-VJF and PP-VJG initially operated on the Rio-Los Angeles route, and, later, to Europe as well. Total operated: 3
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Douglas DC-8-33 |
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In 1965, when Panair do Brasil ceased its operations, Varig was given the responsibility of taking over its routes to Europe, as well as its fleet and personnel. Two DC-8s, prefixes PP-PDS and PP-PEA flew on Varig international routes. Total operated: 2
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Hawker Siddeley HS748-235
"Avro" |
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In 1970, the company started using Avros in Rio Grande do Sul, replacing the DC-3s. These planes also operated on the R.I.N.(National Integration Network) which, among others, comprised Tocantins, São Francisco and Carir areas. During a certain period, they also flew the Rio-São Paulo Shuttle service. Total operated: 11
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Boeing 727-100 |
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Boeing 737-200 |
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Douglas DC-10-30 |
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In July 1974 the first wide-body DC10-30s, prefixes PP-VMA and PP-VMB, started operating on Varig´s long-haul international routes. At the time, such aircraft featured the most sophisticated technology in jet propulsion, structure, onboard electronics and control systems, besides luxury and comfort. The DC-10s, together with other wide-body aircraft, operate Varig´s major long-haul international routes. Total operated: 13 (passengers) and 3 (cargo)
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Airbus A300B4 |
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The Airbus A300, wide body aircraft has been designed for short and medium distances. Varig operated two A300 aircraft on its domestic and Latin-American routes from June 1981 to June 1990. This aircraft was known as "silent giant", since its design incorporated acoustic technology to minimize the sound level. It also incorporated the latest technology to reduce air pollution. This was very significant in terms of Brazil, since most our airports are located inside urban areas.
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Boeing 747-200
/ Boeing 747-300 |
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Always
in tune with its principle of serving according to the most
demanding criteria of quality, efficiency and comfort, Varig
expands its fleet, whenever necessary, incorporating the
aircraft most adequate to the Brazilian characteristics
vis-a-vis the international market. Following this philosophy,
Varig incorporated in 1981 the Boeing 747 to its fleet: the
largest airplane in the western world. The first new widebody
PP-VNA started operation in February 1981, on the Rio-New York
route. Total operated: 4 (200) and 5 (300)
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Boeing 737-300 |
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After Boeing 737-200 Varig acquired the new generation of Boeing 737. The first was the Boeing 737-300 in 1987, which replaced the Electra II at Brazil's busiest route between Rio and Sao Paulo. Varig also acquired Boeing 737-400 and Boeing 737-500 through its subsidiaries Rio Sul and Nordeste.
Total operated: 48 (300), 8 (400) and 20 (500)
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Boeing 767-200
/ Boeing 767-300 |
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In March 1987, Varig received its first Boeing 767-200ER (Extended Range) aircraft on the international routes. The first B767-200ER, flying directly from the plant, received the prefix PP-VNN. Varig´s B767-200ER were the first delivered with General Electric CF6-80C2B2, with a lower level of fuel consumption. This aircraft is equipped with the FMSCS (Flight Management System). The FMSCS has a data bank with all information regarding the plane´s performance and, when necessary, they can be quickly relayed to the technical crew. This is one of the most up-to-date systems in existence to serve the commercial aviation industry.
Total operated: 8 (200) / 10 (300)
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Boeing 747-400 |
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The B747-400 started to fly under the colors of Varig in December 1991, initially on the São Paulo-Rome route. The PP-VPI was the first B747-400 to be incorporated into Varig´s fleet. This aircraft feature winglets at their wing tips, which reduce the airdynamic friction, thus reducing fuel consumption. This is one of its major characteristics. Total operated: 3 (400)
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McDonnell Douglas MD-11 |
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Varig was the first airline in Latin America to operate the MD-11. These latest generation airplanes started flying on the São Paulo - Rio - Paris and Amsterdam route.The MD-11 cockpit is completely computerized, with a digital panelboard. The navigation system is so sophisticate that it is laser gyroscopic. The MD-11 has winglets at the wing tips, thus reducing airdynamic friction an saving about 15% in fuel. The two first MD-11s, PP-VOP and the PP-VOQ were officially delivered to Varig on November 12 1991.
Total operated: 26
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Boeing 737-700
/ Boeing 737-800 |
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Varig was the first Latin American airline to operate the Boeing 737 Next Generation 700 and 800 type. Varig ordered more than 20 units, but due its financial crisis, only received five Boeing 737-700 and two 737-800. The B737-700 also operated for Varig's subsidiary Rio Sul.
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Boeing 737-400 |
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Varig acquired four Boeing 737-400 in 2000, all former Transbrasil. Initially they were used on routes to south of Brazil, especially to Porto Alegre, but were returned in 2004. In 2005 Varig received again four 737-400, which operated until bankruptcy in 2006. № total aircraft operated: 8
Manufacturer: The Boeing Company, USA |
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Boeing 777-200 |
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The Boeing 777 is the most admired aircraft in the world and it represents another landmark in Varig's history. An aircraft that unites the most advanced technology in commercial aviation, it is especially developed to afford more comfort and safety to passengers. The result of years of research developed by thousands of professionals in all parts of the world, the B777 is the most modern commercial aircraft available. Its dimensional and aerodynamic characteristics make it extremely spacious and, at the same time economic. Using fully computorized, latest generation equipment, the B777 is considered one of the safest aircraft of the world. In addition, it offers the most recent features of telephone and internet access on board.
Total operated: 8
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Boeing
737-500 /
Embraer ERJ-145 |
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After absorbing Rio Sul and Nordeste, Varig started operating Boeing 737-500 and ERJ-145. |
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Boeing 757-200 |
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The Boeing 757 was the last model incorporated by Varig before its bankruptcy. After the end of 757's production, its price rised down and Varig leased four units.
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