The Last Boeing 737‑300 in Russia: How It Ended Up with NordStar

How an old airliner became a rarity in the Russian sky

If you enjoy watching planes, you’ve probably heard of the Boeing 737‑300. Once a common sight at airports, today you’ll hardly ever see one. In Russia there is only a single operational example – the aircraft registered RA‑73259, owned by NordStar. Its story reads like a short chronicle of the last few years of Russian aviation.

Origin: From the US to the Bermuda Islands and back

The jet was built in 1997. At first it served an American airline, but a few years later it changed hands and ended up with an operator registered in the Bermuda Islands. At that point it received the registration VP‑BKT. Dual registration was a normal practice for some leasing structures, allowing assets to be moved flexibly between jurisdictions.

Sanctions and “de‑Bermudisation”

When international restrictions were imposed in the early 2020s, many carriers that operated aircraft with foreign registrations had to re‑register them in Russian registers. In autumn 2022 NordStar’s plane went through a “de‑Bermudisation” process – swapping the VP‑BKT registration for RA‑73259. From then on it officially became part of the Russian air fleet.

Why this particular 737‑300?

Most airlines have already retired the 737‑300, replacing it with newer types such as the 737‑800 or domestic models. The lone Russian example has turned into a sort of “living museum”, showing what regional flights looked like in the late‑1990s and early‑2000s.

What does having this aircraft mean for travelers?

For most passengers the difference between a 737‑300 and a modern jet is barely noticeable: seats, service and routes are similar. For aviation enthusiasts, however, the presence of an old “mechanism” in the fleet can be a reason to linger at the airport and catch a glimpse of a rare type. Moreover, such planes often operate on small regional routes where infrastructure is limited and technical requirements are less strict than at international hubs.

Where can you see RA‑73259?

NordStar serves a host of destinations across Siberia and the Far East. The aircraft flies regularly between modest towns, where it is frequently the only representative of a major Western manufacturer. If you are planning a trip in these regions, keep an eye on the departure board – NordStar flights often use this very 737‑300.

How to “catch” it in the air?

1. Watch the schedule – the airline’s website lists the aircraft types used on each route.
2. Contact customer service – staff can confirm whether your flight will be operated by RA‑73259.
3. Arrive at the airport early – small terminals often allow you to watch planes on the ramp, and the old 737‑300 usually draws attention.

What’s next for the last 737‑300?

As long as the airline keeps using it on regular flights, the aircraft’s future in Russia remains uncertain. Given its age and the push for more environmentally efficient fleets, it could be replaced by newer, cheaper models in the coming years. Still, while it stays in service, every flight is a small event for those who value aviation history.

Parallels with other rare types

Russia has a few similar cases: aging Airbus A310s, Boeing 757s and even rare Soviet‑era planes that continue to fly with small regional carriers. They remind us how the aviation landscape shifts and give a chance to see in operation equipment that is almost extinct elsewhere.

Takeaways for the enthusiast traveler

• RA‑73259 – the only Boeing 737‑300 still flying in Russia, built in 1997.
• The aircraft went through double registration, first in the US, then the Bermuda Islands, and became Russian in 2022.
• It serves NordStar’s regional routes, offering a chance to spot a rare type in flight.
• For plane‑spotters it’s an opportunity to snap a unique photo and add another rare jet to the personal “seen it” list.

If your itinerary takes you through Siberia or the Far East, keep your eyes peeled – you might just witness the last flight of an old but reliable Boeing 737‑300 in this remote corner of Russia.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.