Alaska ‘combi’ aircraft goes into retirement [VIDEO]

Marking the end of an era at Alaska Airlines, the last of the carrier’s 737-400 combi fleet is scheduled for official retirement tomorrow.

The five combi aircraft will be replaced by three converted 737-700 freighters, the first of which began commercial service last month. Alaska expects the combis will undergo conversion to full freighter configuration and see new life with other airlines.

“It’s bittersweet to see their run come to an end, but they were due to retire,” said Alaska Air Cargo managing director Jason Berry. “As we modernize our fleet we have to make those tough decisions and knew it was time to find new solutions.

Alaska Airlines’ video of the combi aircraft’s “Milk Run” from Anchorage to Juneau is below: