Eastern Airlines Acquires Five Used Boeing 777s

Eastern Airlines Acquires Five Used Boeing 777s

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While most airlines around the world are downsizing, Eastern Airlines is continuing to expand its fleet. A few months ago the airline took delivery of its first (used) Boeing 777, then a few weeks ago the airline acquired another two 777s, and now the airline is acquiring another two 777s. What remains to be seen is what the airline plans to do with these planes

Wait a second, what is Eastern Airlines?

When I mention Eastern, most people probably think about the original Eastern, which was a major US airline from 1926 to 1991. But then there’s modern day Eastern.

In 2015 the airline relaunched (or more accurately, rights to the name were purchased), as the airline started flying 737s to the Caribbean, including Cuba. Less than two years later its air operator certificate was taken away, and the airline went out of business.


Image courtesy of Cory W. Watts

Then in mid 2017, charter airline Swift Air acquired Eastern.

Swift Air 737

Then in April 2018, when Dynamic International Airways exited bankruptcy, it acquired the Eastern name, and has now branded itself as such.

Featured image courtesy of formulanone

To summarize, the airline went out of business decades ago, then the name was acquired for an airline that ended up flying for less than two years, then the name was acquired again by another airline, and then another airline acquired the name and rebranded as that. Makes perfect sense, right?

With that out of the way…

Eastern Airlines acquires five 777-200s

Prior to this summer, Eastern Airlines’ fleet consisted of up to eight Boeing 767s, including 767-200s and 767-300s (I say “up to” because some of them are stored).

Now the airline is adding five Boeing 777-200s to its fleet, all of which are currently in Kansas City.

Eastern Airlines’ first 777-200 has the registration code N771KW:

  • The plane was acquired on June 29, 2020
  • The plane is 18+ years old
  • The aircraft flew for Singapore Airlines from 2002 to 2015, then for FlyGlobal Charters in Malaysia from 2016 to 2017, and then it was stored

Eastern Airlines’ second 777-200 has the registration code N821JT:

  • The plane was acquired on October 15, 2020
  • The plane is 23+ years old
  • The plane flew for Malaysia Airlines from 1997 to 2015, then for VIM Airlines from 2015 to 2017, and then it was stored

Eastern Airlines’ third 777-200 has the registration code N783KW:

  • The plane was acquired on October 15, 2020
  • The plane is 15+ years old
  • The plane flew for Kenya Airways from 2005 to 2015, and then it was stored

Eastern Airlines’ fourth 777-200 has the registration code N272JM:

  • The plane was was flown from Victorville to Kansas City on September 4, 2020
  • The plane is 23+ years old
  • The plane flew for Japan Airlines from 1997 to 2020, and then it was stored

Eastern Airlines’ fifth 777-200 has the registration code N276JM:

  • The plane was was flown from Victorville to Kansas City on September 11, 2020
  • The plane is 24+ years old
  • The plane flew for Japan Airlines from 1996 to 2020, and then it was stored

As you can see, the airline has had one 777 for a few months now, acquired a couple more in September and October, and two more are now in the process of joining Eastern’s fleet.

Eastern debuted its 777 in the full (new) livery on the first plane, and I’m not sure what exactly to make of it:

  • I think I like the colorful engines and tail
  • So many airlines use the block letters, though I can’t help but feel like they look weird on the 777, going over the second door
  • All around I like the livery… I think?

What could Eastern Airlines do with 777s?

Eastern is an incredibly quirky airline. First of all, it’s worth noting that as of now, Eastern hasn’t inaugurated service with any of its 777s.

Easter Airlines claims that its goal is to provide “the most direct and economical flights to underserved markets around the globe. Historically the airline has primarily operated charter flights, and recently the airline has also been operating relief flights, including to & from destinations like Asuncion, Guatemala, Managua, Montevideo, and more.

Then the airline has some regularly scheduled flights that will be launching in the coming weeks, including the following:

  • Miami to Asuncion, Paraguay
  • Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador
  • Miami to Philadelphia
  • New York JFK to Georgetown, Guyana
  • New York JFK to Guayaquil, Ecuador
  • New York JFK to Los Cabos, Mexico
  • Philadelphia to Port-au-Prince, Haiti
  • Philadelphia to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Those are some of the routes the airline is serving, as of now entirely with Boeing 767s. However, even these routes don’t have very consistent schedules — we’re talking about schedules that often last a couple of months on random days of the week.

In the past year or so the airline has also proposed some additional routes, like New York to San Diego, and New York to Jinan via Anchorage, though neither of these have materialized.

So, what exactly is going on with these 777 acquisitions? My assumptions in general would be that:

  • Eastern picked up these planes for very little, given what a bargain used aircraft usually are, let alone in the current environment
  • If nothing else, odds are that Eastern could operate these planes quite profitably transporting cargo, even if the configurations aren’t ideal
  • I can’t imagine Eastern has particular scheduled routes in mind for these planes, since the airline isn’t even utilizing all 767s for scheduled flights; the 777s do have substantially more range, but it’s unknown if the airline has true long haul aspirations
  • I’ve heard about Eastern planning to expand to Africa, which could explain this, but again, the airline is all over the place
  • As of now Eastern hasn’t operated a single flight with the 777s it has acquired so far

Bottom line

Eastern Airlines has now acquired five used Boeing 777s, which complement the 767 fleet. I’m curious to see what these planes end up being used for. I would assume Eastern is acquiring these planes for very little, and can’t imagine there’s much immediate use beyond cargo flights and some charters.

I’m curious to see what Eastern does with all of these 777 interiors. I believe Eastern generally maintains the interiors the planes had with their previous airlines, in which case the five 777s will have at least four different interiors.

What do you make of Eastern Airlines’ 777 acquisitions? And what do you make of the livery?

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  1. David Guest

    Looks like my cruise line has booked Eastern (as a charter) to get us from Miami to Ushuaia, Argentina, and back, with a stop in Montevideo, Uruguay on the way back. Any information on the planes utilized for this charter would be appreciated, especially the seating and on board amenities (if any). Thanks!

  2. Jeff Bauer Guest

    Eastern is currently training it's 777 crews. I am one of them.
    Destinations? Nothing public.
    All freight conversion? No idea.
    Cheap acquisition? Oh yeah!
    The 767s are being outfitted with new interiors, and a Wifi based Inflight entertainment system.
    The 777s will also be treated the same, as they get their heavy checks done. Basic two class seating. No premium layflat or any of that type. Seating for 390, give or take...

    1. Richard Guest

      Hey man!
      How's Eastern doing now? I feel like the 777 has been sitting on the ground forever. Now seems like they have a very limited network.

    2. Joseph Hudak III Guest

      Hi Jeff,
      What’s the current status with Eastern? You still flying with them? Very little info if any on them on the web.

  3. Jim Guest

    In the day, Eastern was the way to go! Eastern today deserves a chance and hopefully they go about it correctly and survive. The did very well with keeping up with relief flights which according to their website are still going on. Difficult times right now and they seem to be looking into the future instead of throwing in the towel. I wish them the best and hope to fly with them one day soon

  4. Rob Guest

    I saw an Eastern plane parked at MIA today. Couldn’t tell if it was a 777 or 767.

  5. Forty2 Guest

    There's no way GEO can handle a 777. Not even sure it can handle a 762. I hope by now the wreckage of that Caribbean 738 has been removed...

    I saw an Eastern 762 in this livery awhile back and holy cats those things are OLD. They must be the last ones flying. Or not.

  6. Izz Guest

    Jfk to SJD was shelved before it started due to competition by delta and AA per this press release!

  7. Mark Porter Guest

    Eastern Airlines now is s fleet of 13 aircraft (10) 767 (5) 200 and (5) 300 with (3) 777. They are expanding destinations as well to Buenos Aires Argentina and Santa Cruz Bolivia from Miami 3 weekly. Announced yesterday they will begin service to Santo Domingo from JFK and Philadelphia on or around November 22 for Jfk snd dec 3rd from Philadelphia. Eastern Airlines N771KW will be used for DOD as well as Charter and...

    Eastern Airlines now is s fleet of 13 aircraft (10) 767 (5) 200 and (5) 300 with (3) 777. They are expanding destinations as well to Buenos Aires Argentina and Santa Cruz Bolivia from Miami 3 weekly. Announced yesterday they will begin service to Santo Domingo from JFK and Philadelphia on or around November 22 for Jfk snd dec 3rd from Philadelphia. Eastern Airlines N771KW will be used for DOD as well as Charter and Commercial service. Currently Eastern is converting a 777-300ER to all Cargo as it is in the works of beginning a large cargo arm. Eastern has also acquired (3) more 767-300ER under its Alta division and (2) more 777-200(ER) with Jet Midwest from JAL.

  8. MKLDH Guest

    I start to think their capital expenditure a little too aggressive. Sure the current price for second-hand frames is probably lower than ever, but maintaining these old bones can be costly over the long term. Not to say 777s do not seem to be a good fit for their network. I'm not sure if I would feel comfortable flying with them

  9. Richard Guest

    I flew on an Eastern charter to the Middle East in September. It was on a 767. Old, dirty, and no IFE system. Not my best flight even though I was seated in a very old manual recliner business class seat. Lots of charter business out there for them.

  10. Kyle Guest

    That new livery reflects Eastern's previous liveries

  11. EMERSON Martind Guest

    Eastern just announced they will fly to South America. Argentina will be the first country.

  12. Skaner Guest

    People that are mentioning a disconnect between name and livery have to remember the last time the original livery flew was 1990. So most people that might have sentimental connections to that brand are now retirement age. Other than aviation geeks people could care less about the original brand, especially if all they fly is charters and holiday destinations which I think the old livery does not represent well.

  13. Brian Guest

    The only reason to use the Eastern name is to use their color scheme and color. Without that you might as well change the name to something that wouldn't be as confusing.

  14. William Candee Guest

    It's 100-percent gonna be for military charter. It makes zero sense in any other application.

  15. roger Guest

    Makes little sense to use the EASTERN Name yet change the Livery. EASTERN Name and Livery were iconic and this New Livery is Stylish just seems like a Disconnect. I do not see much prospect for This Endeavor.....sounds like throwing Pasta at a wall to see if it sticks.

  16. Bluefox Guest

    Agree with Cliburn ... the 777 should have been painted in the original livery as in the photo of the 737 to get maximum value out of the name and nostaglia. Or in the new color scheme without the block EASTERN and flown it as generic like HiFly.

  17. Zheyu Wang Guest

    They have dropped the application for JFK - Jinan in May actually.

  18. Ryan Guest

    If the interior is anything like the ex-SIA 777 that LATAM was using a few years ago on its SCL-GRU-SCL route, stay far away. The aircraft featured the old angled SIA spacebeds in business class, many of which did not work and none of which had been well maintained. Worst premium cabin of my life. Mercifully only three hours!

  19. Super VC10 Guest

    I'm with Cliburn.

    If the new owners want to distance themselves from the old Eastern Airlines, by getting rid of the iconic 'hockey stick' livery, then why keep the old Eastern bird logo on the tail? Seems to me this airline has identity issues.

  20. Cliburn Guest

    I am not sure why you would pay money to buy the name and then come up with an enitirely new livery.

  21. Will M Guest

    Livery reminds me of Air Italy- bad omen?

  22. James Guest

    It’s UNITED in black don’t.

  23. Laura Guest

    Eastern has been running charter flights about once a week from Buenos Aires during the pandemic.

  24. Mark S. Guest

    Having been a heavy user of the old CO/EA to its end, it's fun to see the EA livery again, just as it was to see a TW livery at the gate in DFW/Terminal C.

  25. Eskimo Guest

    @Rob

    I don't think AF uses anyone else. It might still possibly be the first D Check. Depending on policy they might do some other 'heavy' maintenance in other cycles or just random time and that everything will eventually run its hours and cycle to fall around 15 years.

    Maybe someone with TechOps knowledge can share some insights.

  26. Mateo Guest

    They are having at least once weekly a repatriation flight to Buenos Aires, during these months

  27. Wilhelm Guest

    I’m staying away from disease infested & disorderly Trumpistan and this fly by night operator.

  28. Breen Guest

    my wife has done some business with them and let's say they sometimes have trouble paying their bills.

  29. Rob Guest

    @Eskimo That is interesting, perhaps they meant is was the first D Check performed by AF instead of a 3rd party MRO. I watched the show too, it was quite fascinating. It was called Boeing 777: The Heavy Check, available on Prime.

  30. Izz Guest

    Interesting to follow this airline along.

    I see you mentioned a few times about anchorage, Jinan and San Diego.

    The airline also applied to fly nonstop JFK to Cabo in Mexico.

    https://paxex.aero/2020/01/eastern-airlines-cabo-san-lucas-route-announcement/

    They would be only airline on that route.

  31. Eskimo Guest

    Used 777 are normally cheap since most doesn't have much afterlife use and often bought for spare parts. Based on current conditions, I would guess they got it for China flights and some sure bet cargo contracts. I'm not sure if cargo alone would be enough to breakeven but I guess cheap 777 can offset that.
    Why China?
    It's probably on how CAAC restricts number of flights to once a week. The work...

    Used 777 are normally cheap since most doesn't have much afterlife use and often bought for spare parts. Based on current conditions, I would guess they got it for China flights and some sure bet cargo contracts. I'm not sure if cargo alone would be enough to breakeven but I guess cheap 777 can offset that.
    Why China?
    It's probably on how CAAC restricts number of flights to once a week. The work around if you can't add more frequencies, add more airlines!!!!.
    And this 777 might have little cycle and hours left that makes it so cheap but still enough fly it until CAAC lifts their restrictions.

    @SKF

    What you describe is called D Check. The interesting thing is AF's 1st D Check 777 is 15 years?????

  32. John C Guest

    On a different subject maybe you could keep us posted of what becomes of all the used Delta 777's.

  33. SKF Guest

    I just watched a show on a streaming service about the 16 year maintenance service a 777 goes through, this show followed an AF 777 service. It is a big service, and basically takes the plane apart and puts it back together. If that service was already completed on the aircraft in the article, and they picked it up for a good price due to current economics, it might have been a great deal. It should last another 15 years, according to Boeing.

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David Guest

Looks like my cruise line has booked Eastern (as a charter) to get us from Miami to Ushuaia, Argentina, and back, with a stop in Montevideo, Uruguay on the way back. Any information on the planes utilized for this charter would be appreciated, especially the seating and on board amenities (if any). Thanks!

0
Joseph Hudak III Guest

Hi Jeff, What’s the current status with Eastern? You still flying with them? Very little info if any on them on the web.

0
Richard Guest

Hey man! How's Eastern doing now? I feel like the 777 has been sitting on the ground forever. Now seems like they have a very limited network.

0
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