This site shares a special connection with the Boeing 737-500. Years ago, I wrote a long-form series titled “Airline Pilot Secrets — How Pilots Fly Civil Airliners,” which was compiled using the Boeing 737-500 flight manual as a reference.

Nowadays, the Boeing 737 NG series has largely replaced the 737 Classic series (737-300, 737-400, 737-500). Looking at the 737-500 cockpit today evokes a sense of antiquity. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to spot them at airports. For instance, All Nippon Airways (ANA) introduced the type in July 1995 (with a single economy class layout of 126 seats) and applied the “Super Dolphin” special livery. At its peak, the fleet consisted of 25 airframes, but now only 4 remain.

Next year, ANA has decided to retire all “Super Dolphins.” Towards the Retirement of the Boeing 737-500 “Super Dolphin” Commemorative activities have already begun. ANA Holds 737-500 Festival in Fukuoka — Crowded with Families Before Spring 2020 Retirement If you have the opportunity to see one, do not miss the chance to take a photo. Based on personal experience, you have a higher chance of spotting them at Osaka Itami Airport, Fukuoka Airport, or Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport.

ANA Wings Boeing 737-54K JA303K Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport <img src=https://imgproc.airliners.net/photos/airliners/9/5/7/4691759.jpg?v=v4f789867b6c>

All Nippon Airways - ANA (ANA Wings) Boeing 737-5L9 JA358K Osaka Itami Airport <img src=https://imgproc.airliners.net/photos/airliners/3/5/0/4890053.jpg?v=v4339d9957e4>

Photos from Fukuoka Airport RJFF Overview

For a detailed introduction to the 737-500 cockpit, you can refer to this article: Analog Instruments and Cigarette Ashtrays Tell a Quarter-Century Story — Photo Feature: ANA 737-500 Super Dolphin Unveiled in Fukuoka (Interior Edition). It features numerous analog gauges, which are worlds apart from modern glass cockpits.