Airbus A.300B1 OO-TEF 'Aline', Trans European Airways (TEA).

The color profiles show the aircraft in early and final TEA liveries, while the picture shows the aircraft on an Airbus test flight, probably after the aircraft returned from its first lease period to Air Algerie.

(Airbus press photograph)

The very first Airbus, F-WUAB c/n 01, was destroyed in August 1974 after having made its first flight on October 28, 1972).

Only 2 of the B1 variant were built (CF6-50A engines with 49000 lb thrust - provision for 302 passengers) and c/n 02 was the first Airbus to enter commercial service, TEA leasing the aircraft before their very own A.300B4 OO-TEG could be delivered. During 1974, c/n 02 also had a brief spell with Air Algérie. After OO-TEG was delivered, TEA decided to keep OO-TEF also in the fleet and christened it 'Aline', after the wife of TEA co-founder Mr.Gutelman.

After OO-TEF's useful days were over (last commercial flight on October 29, 1990 - total time 31000 hrs), TEA decided to keep the aircraft as an eyecatcher alongside their maintenance hangar, recognizing the historical importance of the airframe. Unfortunately, TEA went bankrupt and OO-TEF passed into the hands of BIAC, the Brussels International Airport Company, who found the aircraft ideal for evacuation training exercises.

For a long time, this particular aircraft languished at Brussels International airport along runway 25 in a rather sorry state, its useful components having been removed before. With the elements having free play the aircraft was certain to face the axeman one day, UNLESS SOMEONE WOULD COME TO THE RESCUE !

The accompanying pictures, all by Laurent Herjean, clearly show the very bad state of the aircraft. With several windows and doors missing, OO-TEF clearly was suffering from some corrosion.

Yet, being the oldest Airbus in existence, its preservation was considered to be highly desirable.

Thanks to the immense enthusiasm of Laurent Herjean, there appeared a sparkle of hope for OO-TEF. He managed to get some people interested in a restoration project for Tante Aline, and during July 2000 a non-profit organisation, vzw Save Aline, was created. A list of missing parts was established and possible suppliers for these spares were contacted. An inspection of the aircraft revealed a relatively sound structure, clearly a benefit if the aircraft was going to be restored. Next hurdle to take was the financing of the whole operation, clearly some money would be needed to get Aline back to its former glory.

And that is where things started to go wrong. The non-profit organization vzw Save Aline was slowly working towards establishing a sound membership which would be an important asset to convince investors that the restoration project was a viable one. Early 2003, BIAC almost overnight decided they could use the parking space of Aline for something else and put the aircraft up for sale - the highest bidder would secure the airframe. With no fincancial backup, vzw Save Aline had to withdraw and the oldest existing Airbus was sold to a scrapman who skilfully destroyed the aircraft. Just a few remaining fuselage panels remain as a testimony to a great airplane !

Bye bye  Aline  ... forever !