Return of the Clipper

For nearly 20 years, the Boeing 707 formed the backbone of the Pan American World Airways long haul fleet. The airline operated more than 140 of the various Boeing 707's models, fifty-nine of which were of the -321B series. One particular -321B aircraft was registered N892PA. Delivered to Pan Am in 1969, it was christened as Clipper Star King and carried passengers and crews around the world. In 1980, the aircraft was sold as part of Pan Am’s efforts to update and modernize its fleet. As of this post, very few ex-Pan Am 707's remain intact and even fewer still are found in active service, but we at LAX were treated to one such 707 a number of months ago when the aerial refueling tanker company Omega Air paid us a special visit.

It’s been a very long time since N892PA last touched down at LAX, and the occasion was an event held by the Flight Path Learning Center Museum celebrating the 50th anniversary of jet service from LAX. N892PA is now registered as N707AR, and for the last 14 years has served as one of two 707's in Omega Air's aerial refueling fleet. The aircraft served as a static display for the event, a celebration of jet service not complete without a 707 taking part. The fact that it previously served with such a historic airline was simply icing on the cake for everyone in attendance.

Tremendous thanks go out to the Omega Air team for their participation in the event. Their crew was extremely generous in answering questions about their work, as well as in allowing photography of their magnificent plane. When viewed from up-close, N707AR looks as good as new, a testament to the care Omega has taken of the plane.

Below, one magnificent ex-Pan American Clipper.