Boeing 737 HC-CXS – From D-AHXJ in Europe to Ecuador’s Skies

Few aircraft embody the truly global nature of aviation as well as the Boeing 737 registered HC-CXS. Known earlier in its career as D-AHXJ, this Boeing 737-700 carried passengers across Europe, the Middle East, and finally South America. Its journey through multiple airlines reflects the adaptability of the 737 and the shifting landscapes of the airline industry.

The European Years – Air Berlin and TUIfly

Delivered new to Germany, the aircraft first took to the skies with TuiFly. Registered as D-AHXJ, it was part of a fleet that connected major European cities with leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

Later D-AHXJ crossed the European skies in Air Berlin colors.

A New Home in the Middle East – Wings of Lebanon

Later, the 737 found a very different role with Wings of Lebanon (registration: T7-WLA), a boutique carrier based in Beirut. From here, it operated short- and medium-haul flights across the Eastern Mediterranean. Though smaller than its previous airlines, Wings of Lebanon gave the aircraft a new identity and connected communities in a vibrant but competitive market.

Crossing the Atlantic – Equair in Ecuador

In 2022, the aircraft left Europe and the Middle East behind, embarking on its most ambitious chapter yet. Re-registered as HC-CXS and named "Papagyo", it joined the fleet of Equair, a new Ecuadorian domestic carrier based in Quito.

Equair positioned itself as a modern and customer-focused airline, with the Boeing 737-700 as its backbone. HC-CXS flew on some of Ecuador’s most important routes, including the busy Quito–Guayaquil shuttle and the iconic flights to the Galápagos Islands. For travelers, it offered a reliable link between mainland Ecuador and one of the world’s most unique destinations.

Equair – Ecuador’s Short-Lived but Ambitious Airline

The aviation industry is no stranger to ambitious new airlines making bold entries into the market. Some succeed and grow into household names, while others shine briefly before disappearing. Ecuador’s Equair belongs to the latter group – a carrier with big dreams and a short but fascinating story.

A Promising Start

Equair was officially launched in January 2022, positioning itself as Ecuador’s newest domestic airline. Its vision was simple but ambitious: to offer Ecuadorians a safe, reliable, and customer-focused alternative for travel within the country. With Quito as its base of operations, Equair entered a competitive market dominated by established players such as Avianca and LATAM.

Equair’s fleet initially consisted of Boeing 737-700 aircraft, a reliable workhorse for short and medium-haul routes. Interestingly, these aircraft came with their own history, having previously flown for airlines like Air Berlin, TUIFly, and Wings of Lebanon before finding a new home in Ecuador.

Routes and Service

From the start, Equair operated flights between Ecuador’s busiest airports: Quito, Guayaquil, and Galápagos. The Galápagos connection was particularly important, as it served not only domestic travelers but also international tourists eager to experience the world-famous islands.

The airline promoted itself as modern, customer-friendly, and proudly Ecuadorian. Its branding carried vibrant national colors, and its team emphasized hospitality and efficiency. Equair wanted to create not just a flight experience but also a sense of national pride.

Challenges in the Skies

Despite its fresh image and strong ambitions, Equair faced an uphill battle. Launching an airline is never easy, but doing so in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic made things even harder. Global aviation was still in recovery, passenger demand remained unpredictable, and operating costs continued to climb.

Competition also proved tough. Larger airlines already had brand recognition, loyalty programs, and extensive networks. For a young airline with a small fleet, breaking into such a market required not only determination but also substantial financial resources.

A Sudden End

Sadly, Equair’s journey was short-lived. In September 2023, the airline abruptly announced the suspension of its operations. Less than two years after its first flight, Equair disappeared from Ecuador’s skies. The decision was attributed to financial difficulties and the challenging operating environment that many small carriers face worldwide.

For aviation enthusiasts, the closure was a disappointment – especially because Equair had shown genuine promise. Its aircraft, however, continue to live on in unique ways. Some have been repurposed into Aircrafttags, allowing collectors and travelers to carry a piece of Equair’s story with them.

Remembering Equair

Although its life was brief, Equair represents the spirit of ambition and innovation in aviation. It highlighted Ecuador’s potential as a growing air travel market and reminded us of how challenging, yet inspiring, the airline industry can be.

For many travelers who flew with Equair, the airline will be remembered for its friendly service, modern fleet, and bold attempt to carve out a space in Ecuador’s aviation landscape. Its story, though short, remains part of the country’s aviation history – a chapter worth telling.