Reeve Aleutian: On Board the Super Electra II
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Reeve Aleutian Airways of Anchorage, Alaska, the last operator of passenger configured Lockheed Super Electra II on the planet. We’ll take you to Anchorage to sample Reeve Electra winter and summer operations first hand. from both the flight deck and the passenger cabin! And the Alaskan scenery and snow-capped mountains is nothing short of spectacular!
Reeve Aleutian Airways the oldest airline in Alaska, founded by Alaskan aviation pioneer Robert C. Reeve in 1932. Reeve’s niche operation focused service on the remote Aleutian island chain. The Reeve fleet comprised of two Boeing 727-100 combis, and three immaculate Lockheed L188 Super Electra II. In December, 1999, Reeve Aleutian Airways ceased operations so ending the final chapter of passenger Super Electra II operations.
On our first Electra trip, we join airline videographer Henry Tenby on March 2, 1996, aboard the all-passenger configured N1968R from Anchorage to St. Paul Island in the Aleutians, under the command of Captain Larry Williamson. Then in August, 1996, we return to Alaska with Henry to sample a few more Reeve Electra flights, all of which are now presented in this Reeve Aleutian: On Board the Super Electra II program.
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2 Responses to “Reeve Aleutian: On Board the Super Electra II”
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Henry,
I enjoy this video so much that I bought the DVD as well, so I can watch it in the comfort of my Gulf Air sleeper seats, on widescreen TV. This presentation has it all: classic propliner, exotic locale and weather, and an airline now sadly gone.
Personally, I rode only two Electras, and on the same morning in early 1979: PSA N171PS and Air Cal N124AC, on an SFO-TVL (Tahoe) round trip. The L188 was robust but some of that great power resonated as a rumble in the cabin, some it it you captured so well in this vid. Viewers are advised to turn the volume way up for maximum effect.
N1968R began life with Qantas, spent some time with NZ, before leaving ‘down under’ in the late 60s. While outfitted with Qantas, they actually had sleeper seats in the First Class section behind the galley. Imagine doing a trans-Tasman service in such comfort.
I do enjoy your cabin views here. While the Electra was considered ‘old hat’ once the 727s and DC9s arrived, its seats were spaced at 37″ pitch and they were wide – an inch or two wider than the Boeing jets. Reeve seems to have outfitted the cabin with surplus seats from Eastern – the white padded tray tables and the 50s style chains to hold them in stowed position being giveaways.
Duncan
Hi Duncan, The Electra is such a magnificent propliner and is one that holds a special place in my heart too. I’ve been blessed with flights on Electra’s of VARIG, NWT Air and of course, Reeve. The machine has so much power and it is so stable. She’s basically a Herc for passengers. You are so lucky to have flown on two US classic Electra airlines. To see video footage of PSA and Air California Electras would be a dream come true. For love nor money it is impossible to get a ride on an Electra today, unless you buy one for pleasure use. No amount of money this side of hell would get you on an Electra waterbomber today, as the two airlines that operate them won’t even speak to the likes of an enthusiast. The Electra era is now relegated to memories, which I am so greatful for, and I think you’ll agree that we were very lucky to had the flights we had on this fabulous type.