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Photos: American Rolls out New AstroJet-Themed Boeing 737-800

American rolls out its signature AstroJet retro livery on N905NN (Photo: American Airlines)

American’s AstroJet retro paint scheme has been a long-enduring staple of the airline’s fleet. It is beloved among aviation enthusiasts and airline employees alike while still being recognizable by seasoned passengers.

The original livery was painted on N951AA (ship 3CF), the carrier’s 50th Boeing 737 aircraft which was delivered in 2000. Last month, that aircraft ferried to New Iberia, La. where it was painted with the standard livery.

Why is this retro livery so recognizable? It’s nostalgic. The actual livery was first used in 1964 on the airline’s Boeing 727 fleet. The paint scheme harkens back to American’s “glory days” in the 1950s and 60s. The “Astrojet” slogan was applied to the carrier’s new aircraft during this time and would feature a retro design with vivid red stripes on a polished aluminum fuselage.

Today, the retro livery still has its place in American’s fleet of approximately 950 aircraft, now being visible on N905NN (ship 3JP). The airline made the decision to display the paint scheme on another aircraft because N951AA is getting old, meaning that the airplane will likely be retired in the coming years.

N905NN was delivered to American in October 2012 making it a much newer frame. The airplane features the Boeing Sky Interior and overhead entertainment systems. Before featuring the AstroJet scheme, ship 3JP was still in the carrier’s polished aluminum livery.

After being rolled out of the New Iberia painting facility on Sunday, the newly painted 737 arrived in Dallas where it is scheduled to visit Nashville and New York-JFK in the coming days, according to FlightRadar24 data.

The decorated 737 joins the carrier’s other retro paint schemes, including AirCal (N917NN), TWA (N915NN), Reno Air (N916NN), PSA (N742PS), and Piedmont (N744P). All of which celebrate the carrier’s rich history.

Stripping down the red, white, and blue stripes on American’s old livery (Photo: American Airline)

Putting the finishing touches on the polished aluminum (Photo: American Airlines)

The finished product on N905NN (Photo: American Airlines)

N905NN rolls out of the paint shop (Photo: American Airlines)

Ryan Ewing
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  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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