As part of the process of modernization and strengthening of its logistical capabilities, the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) officially incorporated a new Boeing 737-500 into its transport fleet. The handover ceremony took place at Simón Bolívar Air Base (Guayaquil, Ecuador), with the presence of acting President María José Pinto, Minister of National Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo, the Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, General Henry Delgado, and the Commander General of the Air Force, General Mauricio Machuca. The aircraft, registered as FAE-640, was presented as an asset intended to reinforce the operational capability, strategic mobility, and emergency response capacity of the air component.
The presentation ceremony marked the entry into service of the Boeing 737-500, which will allow expanded territorial coverage in transport missions, logistical support, and humanitarian assistance. According to official information released by the institution, the incorporation of this aircraft expands deployment capacity and facilitates the execution of military operations and assistance to the population, particularly in remote or hard-to-access areas.
The Boeing 737-500 FAE-640 stands out for its versatility and its ability to fulfill multiple roles within the Air Force, representing a technological leap compared to the other Boeing 737 operated by the FAE, which belongs to the veteran 200 series. Its design allows it to transport a significant number of passengers and cargo, and to operate at airports with short runways or demanding conditions, making it a useful platform for both military and civilian missions. The aircraft, manufactured in 1997, was acquired in the United States for a value of USD 6 million and arrived in the country on October 3, coming from Orlando, after completing delivery and verification flights.
Prior to its incorporation into active service, the aircraft underwent technical inspections conducted by the FAE’s Directorate of Aeronautical Industry (DIAF). These tasks included engine inspections, flight tests, adjustments to communications systems, and painting work, with the aim of adapting the aircraft to the institution’s technical standards. The acquisition process had begun in 2023, promoted by then Minister of Defense Luis Lara and Commander General Gabriel García, as part of a program to replace equipment affected by obsolescence and operational wear.
The arrival of FAE-640 complemented the transport fleet of the Ecuadorian Air Force, which until then had only one aircraft of this type: the Boeing 737-200 FAE-630, with more than four decades of service. The latter was recently subjected to a comprehensive recovery process carried out by Transport Wing No. 11 in Latacunga, which included engine repairs and flight testing. Incorporated in 2013, the FAE-630 has carried out logistical support and transport missions, including its participation in the Multinational Exercise Galapex 2024, where it transported personnel and equipment to the Galápagos Islands.
With the incorporation of the FAE-640, the Ecuadorian Air Force expanded its strategic transport capability and ensured the continuity of its logistical and assistance operations. The availability of two aircraft of this type improves the planning and execution of military, humanitarian, and international cooperation flights, reinforcing the air component within the overall defense framework and support to the population of Ecuador.
Image credits: Ministry of Defense of Ecuador – Government of Guayas.
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