The Boeing 737-300 is B737-200 successor and incorporates new technologies and aerodynamic refinements, in addition to more powerful and economical engines. In September 1987 VARIG received the first two units, PP-VNU and PP-VNV. Still in 1987, VARIG received two more units, PP-VNT and PP-VNX, in November. Initially B737-300 began their career at VARIG on domestic routes, together with Boeing 727-100 and Boeing 737-200.
In November 1988 PP-VOD arrived and in December PP-VOE. In 1989, the company received more four units, the last, received in October (PP-VOM), was the first not to be delivered directly from the factory. It had previously been operated by Hispania Airlines.
In 1990 VARIG received more five units, one (PP-VOR) used, totaling fifteen units in the fleet. From the 1990s, Boeing 737-300 became VARIG's main aircraft for domestic and international flights in South America. Initially, B737-300 were configured with 117 seats in two classes: Business and Economy. Then the company adopted two configurations: 120 passengers in two classes and 132 passengers in a single class. During the 1990s, Boeing 737-300 gradually replaced Boeing 727-100 and then Boeing 737-200.
In 1991 VARIG received more eight Boeing 737-300 and more three in 1992, totaling twenty-six units in the fleet. In 1991 Boeing 737-300 became the aircraft with the largest units in the fleet. In 1992 they replaced the legendary Electra II on Rio - São Paulo 'Air Bridge'. With the introduction of B737, the travel time between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo was reduced by about 10 minutes and the airlines pool were able to increase the seat offer by around 70%. To allow a safe landing, Santos Dumont Airport runway, in Rio de Janeiro, was increased by 300 meters. After Electra II retirement, VARIG fleet was 100% jet aircraft. At that time Boeing 737-300 could be seen in practically all cities served by VARIG in Brazil, in addition to Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Asunción, Santa Cruz de La Sierra and La Paz.
Textura Varig 777 Pmdg
Until 1997, VARIG did not receive new units. However, in April 1995 it returned PP-VOM. To replace the remaining Boeing 737-200s, VARIG started receiving a new order of Boeing 737-300. Five units arrived in 1997 (one used) and more four in 1998 (two used). However, PP-VOX was returned in November 1998. As a result, the Boeing 737-300 fleet remained on thirty-four aircraft.
In 1998 VARIG received its first Boeing 737-700, from Boeing 737 third generation and a natural replacement for Boeing 737-300. The intention was to gradually replace the Boeing 737-300 with B737NG. In 1999 two Boeing 737-300 were returned, being replaced by new Boeing 737-700.
However, the financial crisis faced by VARIG changed plans. Unable to order new Boeing 737NGs, VARIG started to purchase more second-hand Boeing 737-300s. In 2000, VARIG received three units, two in 2001, five in 2002, two in 2003 and two in 2005. In 2001 Boeing 737-300 fleet achieved the peak, with thirty-seven units operated simultaneously. Considering the Boeing 737-300 operated by Rio Sul and Nordeste, there were 41 Boeing 737-300 operated simultaneously. In 2003/2004 VARIG decided to merge with Rio Sul and Nordeste, and started to operate the Boeing 737-300 previously operated by its regional subsidiaries.
The Boeing 737-300 accompanied VARIG until the end of its operations in 2006. However, over the years the fleet has been reduced. VARIG returned four units in 2002 and ten units in 2003. In 2005 more two units were returned, remaning twenty-one units in VARIG's fleet.
VARIG's Boeing 737-300 internal configuration:
Varig 707
1st: 117 seats
Business Class: 12 seats (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 105 seats (3+3 seats per row)
2nd: 118 seats
Business Class: 16 seats (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 102 seats (3+3 seats per row)
3rd: 120 seats
Business Class: 12 seats (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 108 seats (3+3 seats per row)
4th: 128 seats
Business Class: 8 seats (2+2 seats per row)
Economy Class: 120 seats (3+3 seats per row)
5th: 132 seats (Economy Class only)
