FLYING a CLASSIC Boeing 737-200 Combi with Canadian North!

Canadian North Airlines is one of 5 operators in Canada that still fly Boeing 737-200s on a regular basis, and currently the only one operating it within Western Canada.
A few months ago, I was looking at some flights, and found that the 737-200 was back operating a few flights on the Edmonton to Yellowknife route, and I couldn't pass up the chance to fly it again!
Enjoy this special trip report :)
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.alexpraglowski.ca
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: Canadian North (5T/MPE)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-275 Combi (B732)
Flight Number: 5T444/445
Seat: 7A/4A
Livery: Old
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17
Registration: C-GOPW
Route: Edmonton (YEG) - Yellowknife (YZF) - Edmonton (YEG)
Callsign: EMPRESS 444/445
Runway used: 12 (YEG) - 34 (YZF), 16 (YZF) - 20 (YEG)
Date filmed: July 2019
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Outro song by Nyhtian: / @mylor.x
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2019
This video is the property of Alex Praglowski Aviation and may not be used for any purpose without prior permission.
MEDIA: Please contact me at the email in the "About" section of my channel for usage.

[@Yegtard]

I had to take this flight on Canadian North for work Edmonton to Yellowknife and then back and I wasn’t really excited for it. It turned out to be a really nice flight over a very beautiful part of Canada that I’d never seen before. This was my first trip to the NWT and it’s stunning. I feel bad that I didn’t see it sooner. Canadian North is a class act. It felt like air travel in the 80’s or early 90’s lots of leg room big cushy seats and there was this hot meal included that I wasn’t expecting. In the best way possible the flight felt like being back in time and I loved it. I wish Canadian North flew to more destinations in Canada then I would get to fly with them more.

[@Vuelogs]

Actually looks like a very comfy aircraft for its age!

[@VMCAviationVideos]

It is comfy, I have flown the route Edmonton - Yellowknife - Inuvik many times on the -200

[@Ty4ons]

Older aircraft configurations often had much more room because there wasn’t the same competition in price that we have today and they competed more on comfort. Some of the first L-1011 interiors - which I think were about as wide as the 777 - had 8 abreast in economy which would be absurd today when they’re almost all 10 abreast.

[@VMCAviationVideos]

@Gary Dodgson - Emergency exit seat are always good, and cost a fraction of a business seat.

[@OllieRamone]

I so love that engine sound. Reminds me of the 727, very powerful 😀

[@jossdionne9810]

Ollie Ramone I was just thinking that, seems ...electric almost!

[@greateraviationgl91]

So noise and loud but still good

[@infiniteaviation6352]

Seems like Canadian North makes extremely butter landings

[@marclebrun641]

good on them, good to see the smaller airlines doing good service.something that has long gone from the majors. that why porter has done so well.

[@CJetsPlanespotting]

Wonderful trip report Alex! It’s great to see that the 737-200s are still flying in Canada.

[@franke5478]

This boeings 737-200 can take-off and land on snow ore ice. Thats why they are still on duty.

[@VMCAviationVideos]

@@franke5478 - Any other airplane can take-off and land on snow and ice.

[@greateraviationgl91]

The legend is not dead yet

[@thecaynuck4694]

@@VMCAviationVideos 737-200 does have a gravel kit, so it can land on short gravel runways, that's why it's still in Canada. There's not really a replacement yet.

[@doug132639]

I have to say .Alex your voice sounds like Sam Chui ..I hope you are friends .peace 💚🙏

[@chrismckellar9350]

It is refreshing to see aviation videos that are not Asian, US and European focused. Also the commentary is more interesting compared to other established passenger aviation channels.

[@americanrambler4972]

I remember watching the 727-200 With the gravel kits being produced when I was a young guy working at Boeing. I liked that Boeing was offering a self supporting jet air liner which could operate out of remote gravel airfields. These planes could operate without the normal compliment of ground equipment other aircraft require. This plane not only had the gravel kit, but it has a side opening main deck cargo door, self deploying rear air stairs and a beefed up APU generator mounted high up in the tail to keep the exhaust out of the way and could if necessary be operated in flight. ( Another first) set up for ground operations along with some other modifications. This ‘Guppy’ , ‘Scooter’ or ‘Baby Boeing’ is the most pure design of the 737 family of jets. It has great self ground handling support capability due to its low resting hight so cargo can be on and off loaded at ground level, basic maintenance as engine servicing is easily accessed, fueling is easily supported, has pretty good short field performance, is not real expensive to operate for a twin jet. It’s now considered a gas Guzzler and it’s very noisy with those JT8d engines. It was also the first passenger jet certified to operate with a two man flight crew instead of a 3 man crew where the 3 crewman was a flight engineer. Getting that done at the time of its certification was a very big deal. A few of the first 737 100’s were built as 3 man crew planes, but I think all were converted to 2 man crews when the certification was approved. The 707, 727 and the 747 up through the -300 models were all 3 man flight crews. The 747-400 was the 1st 747 with a 2 man flight crew. Because the 737 paved the way, the 757 and 767 were initially certified with 2 man flight crews. A 3 man crew was an option, but I do not think any were produced.

[@dfwaviation2066]

What an amazing aircraft, it’s always a pleasure seeing a video about it since I cannot see it in person. Great video as always, Alex!

[@jonm6756]

I did the same flights from YEG TO YZF And back. Love Canadian North in July, I loved it!!! I’m from the States and I’ve been to Canada 4 times this summer exploring airlines in 🇨🇦, beautiful country and great full service airlines. Alex your videos are the reason I did all that traveling, traveling and airlines are my life. Question...are you going to do a video on Air Inuit? Another airline I’m very interested in. Thanks for your videos!!!

[@protocolofficer2629]

Another interesting and all encompassing report Alex! I would never have guessed that flying “north” would be so full of details that were, for me, new and welcome. As a Canuck, I must confess that I am quite ignorant of my country’s northern aspects, but with this video, I learned a lot, especially seeing Yellowknife! This airline’s customer service is above and beyond what is offered by the larger Canadian airlines and you are helping them and northern adventurers in promoting the “Great Canadian North!” Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers, Colin

[@isaacfrancois]

3:18 vortex dissipator. 16:29 Krueger Flap. Watching this from Malaysia and it's almost midnight here 😂 Happy Thanksgiving.

[@danmack3173]

My god that letter is something else. Truly a dedicated management.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Someday I sure hope to do this!

[@davidnoseworthy4540]

Alex, this was awesome! Loved the classic B737-200 with the "gravel kit", nose wheel guards and the 'gravel blasters' protruding from the engine intakes, to direct high pressure bleed air - preventing debris from being ingested into the engine. And those lovely (but thirsty) PW JT8D's with their clamshell thrust reversers. Along with the inflight service, this was like stepping back in time. Loved seeing Buffalo Joe's beautiful Curtis C46 and the RCAF CC-177 from 429 (TS) Bison Sqdn.

[@Rhaman68]

It was my first commercial rating and I flew both seats of this jet. Cold in winter, hot in summer, a bit underpowered but superb flyer!! My favorite plane.

[@sean_king]

To be honest, the meals, magazines, and being on a 50 year old 737 is the best entertainment anyone can ask for in a plane

[@american101]

I love the engine sound on the classic 737!! Great Report Alex!!

[@RealSaulGoodman78]

The sound of the JT8D is amazing

[@ElroyDPenha]

Did the same flight in september and had a great experience on Canadian North from their check in staff, to their FA's and their hot meal service...they beat Air canada and west jet any day

[@lukemccullough6474]

Awsome Video I Really Love The 737-200 It Is On My Bucket List To Fly On :D

[@winman1234]

T-T hurry up before you kick bucket

[@lukemccullough6474]

winman1234 yah 😂

[@Demosthenas]

This one's on my bucket list.

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

I love Canadian North's liveries!

[@Ayzrito]

Amazing video, love the 737-200! Keep up the good work!

[@nicholasmanolaros2290]

Another great trip report, Alex. The whiny scream of those JT8s!

[@daniel_shea]

One of your best trip reports Alex. Reminds me of when I worked for Pacific Western Airlines in the early 70s at the old Calgary Airport. We flew 737-200s and I loved them. Still do. This video was a trip down memory lane for me. Thanks for that.

[@AFlyGuyYYC]

C-GOPW (the aircraft in this video) is an ex Pacific Western bird, hence the PW in the registration

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

Love the 200 , great view of part of the gravel kit under the engine. Nice Twin Otter catch in Yellowknife.

[@cathygoulet9899]

I am very much looking forward to getting back to flying with Canadian North. The hot breakfast in the morning is so good.

[@Mazerage2023]

I love your videos they always cheer me up keep up the good work 🙂

[@billcarp3523]

That tube jutting out from the engine nacelle shoots out bleed air from the engine to dissipate gravel from unimproved runways that might otherwise get sucked into the engine. I saw another video on the 737 combi aircraft that explained this fact.

[@rivetandbrodie]

Nice report, reminds me of flying Nordair years ago

[@roye2479]

Love these old school birds! That JT8D wasn't as loud as I thought it'd be. We (bcit) bought a surplus -200 from westjet and it's loud

[@bobby7411]

Beautiful video !!! 🔝🤩 I love the Boeing 737/200 !!! ❤️

[@jeremysera4201]

Beautiful Airplane!! Looks like Canadian North keeps their ladies in great shape! The shine on those polished engine intake cowlings let's you know there is a lot of pride there. The 732 plays such a unique role in Canadian Aviation today. I know a lot of the pilots that fly these beauties because I do a lot of work in the Northern Region. There is nothing currently in the world's aircraft portfolio that can replace a 732 of comparable size. From its off-pavement capabilities, to its large load capacity, combi ability, and general indestructible nature, the 737-200 is in a class of its own. Long-live the screamin 2-hundy and those beautiful JT8D's.

[@robbrownplanespotting]

Hey, Greetings from Scotland, actually found your channel while looking something else. Awesome video liked and subscribed

[@BloomVations]

JT8D’s and the Rolls Royce RB211’s - my favorite aviation sounds! ❤️

[@robertcampbell1280]

Love the jigsaw runway at Yellow Knife! I shot part of "Over Beautiful Briitsh Columbisa" in 1996. We made it as far North as Dease Lake. I really remember our trip from Fort Nelson to Dease Lake winding through valleys in the Rockies in constant rain under an overcast that covered the mountain peaks. We were in my Helio Courier H-295 STOL airplane. GPS had just become available, so I knew where we were at all times, however, the only communication I had was with airliners high above us. If we'd had a problem I hoped an airliner could relay our position. All was well, and we landed at Dease Lake in sunshine. I like your reports.

[@flyc3]

Awesome video Alex! Their service puts our British flag carrier to shame. Goes to show that the ‘old’ level of service can still be offered. The combi looked way more comfortable than most modern jets too.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Great video of a fantastic classic aircraft 👌

[@mylosairplanefan]

I hope to fly onboard a 732 someday.. must be an amazing experience! Nice report, Alex!

[@GG-sr4ww]

Great video! Love the old -200’s.

[@VMCAviationVideos]

Awesome, I have flown on Canadian North flight 444 from Edmonton to Yellowknife many times. And it was always the 737-200.

[@westcoast1882]

Hope they don't lose that version of livery, one of my favourites.

[@Ryanhothersall]

Yes I agree. Would be a shame to see that livery disappear.

[@maxpowerta3183]

sadly it has already started dissapearing on some of their other aircraft

[@JDL3777]

Its gone, they have a new one but some still have that livery

[@Edmonchuck]

Seeing this bird, and it flying over CYXD, is both a bit sad and nostalgic. I do hope for the future, but I do miss those days. I remember the old girl as a new plane in 1980.

[@MadeiraAirport]

Really nice video, awesome plane!

[@Trump145]

I watched ice Pilots as well and I enjoyed it so much I'm actually watching it again

[@mikesparks3216]

I have always wanted to do a trip to visit Edmonton and YZF. Maybe next summer will be the time. Loved the video!!

[@airsideelliot]

Finally you uploaded it :D

[@ericbeaulieu4663]

a company that is able to maintain an aircraft of this age in very good condition says a lot about the service (excellent)

[@littlestevey4172]

Nice to hear they don't plan on retiring the 737-200 anytime soon.. Great report!!

[@marilynmonroeaviationhd]

Nice work Dude

[@gregc8861]

Been on that bird a few times up the valley to Norman Wells. Only time I was on an one of thier all pax config was out of Iqaluit, only 34 on board. Loving the content. 👍

[@dredynkassi3238]

I got a $25 Food voucher for Food at Inuvik, NWT. The flight was delayed 1 hour and everyone got one. On air north’s daily Northen route

[@carlraymondgrenier787]

Those jt8 engine are great but oh boy are they loud i see this 737 a few time in YHU the 200 with gravel kit is a must in canada

[@briantampabay7403]

love those JT8D engines. Same engines on the DC 9 and MD80s

[@76notam]

good report !:) and lovely 737-200, i like Canada with the type of plane in service for domestic fly :) ....the real commercial l aviation ! litlle but friendly and good company ! :)

[@travisgamble8765]

You could see the Brinks trucks for the nearby diamond processors on the ramp in Yellowknife watching the plane. It's big business for Yellowknife. Some of the offices for the processors are right at the airport.

[@naijapilotxmax6006]

You forgot to talk about the vortex decipator attached to the engines. Those are one main features of this beautiful bird 😍

[@winhtin3420]

Are those vortex decipators installed since the planes came out? I thought it was to plow through the snow until I saw your comment. :-)

[@MomentsInTheSky]

Definitely one I’d like to try!

[@lan5053]

I’ve flown Canadian North a bunch of times, and the in-flight food was always surprisingly good.

[@Pierorocks]

Us Alex's gotta stick together! Such an awesome airplane!

[@Ryanhothersall]

Another great video. Flew with canadian North back in 2013 on the Yellowknife to Edmonton route on a 737-200. In my eyes Canada is the only safe and civilized place to fly on such aircraft.

[@lalaurus]

737-200 report? Kylo Ren voice? Best channel!!

[@prmartin7259]

Thanks for sharing your adventure.🛫🥪

[@matiasbp182]

Butter landing

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Phenomenal.

[@Paula7379]

Oh my Ghosh I love, love, love flying with Canadian North. It truly is THE BEST airline in Canada. Everything mentioned in this video is true. There customer service is very good, the airline is organized and I Always feel at relaxed when flying with this airline. I hope to be flying with Canadian North in the near future DESTINATION NUNAVUT. I always look forward to the hot meals on the flights and if you want seconds they are more then happy to give it to you. I just love flying with this airline.

[@jarkiiaviation4643]

That aircraft is very well maintained for being 40 years old

[@spider23000]

An aircraft from the days where flying was comfortable (not like these horrible slimline seats that most airlines use these days), and an airline who knows how to make flying a pleasure still. Both things are rare now, in an age of flying bus services.

[@jrwxtx]

I really enjoy your channel. The fields of yellow on take off from Edmunton--is that Golden Rod in bloom? Since this video was dated Oct.14, I assumed it was a possibility. Thanks.

[@IScreamer]

Very interesting!

[@naijapilotxmax6006]

The aircraft used the whole of the runway in the the return flight. Wow!

[@milohrnic2023]

Staircases in both the back and front is one of the biggest bonuses of landing at smaller airports.

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Amazing report mate! Perfect engine views on both the the outbound & return flights 👍👍 What is that metal object pointing outward under the engine?

[@hahahahahahahahahah6869]

DOMINICA AVIATION its been fitted with a gravel kit so it can land on remote gravel runways, the long things create air cyclones which push gravel away from the engine fans

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

@@hahahahahahahahahah6869 ohhh. Thanks for the info👍

[@Bipbapbop_]

It uses compressed air from the engines to keep gravel and debris from entering the inlet. The gravel kit is the reason Canadian north operates the 39 year old 737-200 combi since gravel kits for jet powered planes are not being sold or even manufactured. Short gravel runways are pretty much limited to smaller turbo props, like air Tindi’s Dash-7’s and the 737-200. There are other reason like capacity, efficiency, and versatility but the gravel kit definitely gives it an edge

[@mason9483]

Nice video Alex, I wish the US had 737-200s, we had some 500s but Southwest retired them not to long ago. I know how much you like WestJet and it would be very neat to see you review the YYC-AUS flight. Austin being my old home town! The flight is either on a 737-6 or 737-7, I don't know for sure.

[@CdnSkies]

Sad that the iconic Canadian North livery may well become a thing of the past. Here's hoping it will make a strong comeback in the future. I used to love watching these birds arrive at CYQM to drop off and pick up the oil field workers. Shame those days have left as well.

[@cysauce]

4:52 I remember that Icelandair 757! It diverted to Edmonton because of some form of mechanical.

[@richardmichael9538]

rlentless Icelandair also operates scheduled Reykjavik Edmonton flights almost daily.

[@stanleovart]

Great!!!

[@aaddvvnnttrr5317]

pretty sweet

[@BlueBug]

6'8! Dang you are insanely tall!

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

First plane I ever flew on was 737-200, a PWA milk run. Edmonton to Calgary, to Cranbrook, to Kelowna.

[@f1mikeyboy]

The 737-200 will be around for a while. They are one of the only jet aircraft that are fitted with a gravel kit, for landing on gravel runways. You could can see that tube sticking out forward of the engine, that’s part of the modification. Since no newer aircraft that I know of have this ability, the old girl will be flying until they can find a replacement, I would think. Thanks for the video.

[@AS-ll5nd]

Sounds like a really pleasant experience. Wonder if they do in flight announcements in local languages. Also wonder how these remote Canadian airlines will handle their fleets in the future. They can't hold onto the 737-200s forever, they're already 40-50 years old plus they're inefficient and loud/polluting as hell, yet no aircraft really matches their requirements like it. Thanks again for a well made video.

[@N1120A]

One of my best friends is 6'8". That's got to be tough on most airlines in coach, even in some first/business seats.

[@gl89]

Where did you have the fish and chips?

[@ElroyDPenha]

Guessing it was Bullock's bistro...its the best place in town and near the Bush pilot's monument

[@homomorphic]

Wait, your 6'8" and your hobby is flying around on commercial passenger jets???

[@eabh12]

we want clam shells alex!!

[@moriver3857]

Nice airplane, and nice video. It has the engine FOD bleed system on the lower engine nose cowl. I've heard that some Canadians operators operate these airplanes on unimproved runways.

[@MeDicen_Rocha]

Isnt that the reason to operate 737-200s over the newer models? I thought the benefit was that since the engines are higher, they can land on unpaved runways

[@cyriluebbing22]

Nice

[@largesoda1729]

Back when a 737 didn't want to kill itself

[@PlanesAndGames732]

Rudder Servovalve UA585: Am I a joke to you?

[@marks6663]

I can tell you are a young guy to make that statement.

[@rider_ringz5381]

Cole Phelps yup back when pilots actually fly

[@tomedgar4375]

Cole Phelps Everything electronic eventually fails, I would have no issue flying on a 737 max with a correctly trained pilot. The 200 was a great aircraft and I flew on them many times but prefer the overhead storage of the new aircraft

[@homomorphic]

@Airbus A340-600 and there lies the problem. Humans should not be entrusted to do something as critical as pilot a passenger aircraft. 80% of all crashes are pilot error. The whole problem with MCAS is that rather than design a flight control system the way it should have been designed (with TMR) they specified the mitigation for the failure mode as corrective action by the least reliable component in the system (the pilot). The reason they felt that they could do this, is that (insanely and contradictory to any rational explanation) society has designated the least reliable system as the unit with primary responsibility for safety.

[@BPanio]

My family got meal vouchers from AC when our E190 broke in YQR. It wasn't cancelled but it would further delay the flight if they let us all off. So they fixed it and I think it was about 2/3 hours. Can't really remember

[@PandaSoft]

I personally find older plane generally have better leg room, seat width and seat config in economy "cattle class". It does change with each airline.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

We used to do AOG for Canadian North - at least the YYZ end of it. If they needed a part from around here we would get it to YOW and First Air would bring it up to them. And then the head AOG guy moved over to WestJet and brought us with him so now we do WestJet YYZ AOG, which is pretty amazing. Still have a soft spot for Canadian North though. Great vid. Love those old 200s!

[@maxpowerta3183]

umm actually "Air North" is a completely different airline.....

[@maxpowerta3183]

Actually "air North" is a completely different airline....

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

@@maxpowerta3183 you are correct. Canadian North is who we did AOG for. My confusion. We use Air North sometimes to fly cargo out of YVR. Thanks for pointing out my error. It has now been corrected.

[@BPanio]

I cant remember, but have you done a trip report to Cambridge Bay? Would be interesting to see what you think of a 838 landing on a gravel strip

[@andrewriedel4446]

Great video Alex. Very sad to see that the redevelopment of Edmonton City Centre airport is proceeding so slowly, a truly pathetic waste.

[@masonmacisaac9802]

@6:56 its not for large carryons it is for crew luggage (or at least when I was on the 200)

[@susanableton8647]

Congratulations Canadian North for excellent customer service......a rarity now-a-days.

[@jamhartley9557]

Did you ever fly on one of WestJet's -200s? I have spent 1000s of hours on them being an ex WJ flight attendant and have had some of my most memorable experiences in life flying on them!!

[@oldfatbastad6053]

corr that takes me back, Britannia Airways 737-200s out of Luton. The first european airline to operate the type :)

[@plutoamor]

I love the 732..Used to be my fave Boeing along with the 727!!What is that thing protruding under the engine?

[@rstormo68]

plutoamor a nozzle that blows air away from the engines on gravel airstrips.