First delivered to TEAL Tasman Empire Airways (ZK-TEB "Atarau") in December 1959. The airline, renamed Air New Zealand in 1865, sold it to California Airmotive (N33506) in 1972. Converted to a L-188C, Nordair added it to their fleet in September 1972. Stored in July 1976, the aircraft was sold via American Jet Industries to Reeve Aleutian Airways in April 1978 (N178RV). Leased to Northwest Territorial Airways (first as N178RV, later C-GNWC) 1986 - 1988. Atlantic Airlines bought and ferried it to Coventry where it was stored until 2010. Buffalo Airways acquired it in 2010 registered C-FIJX.

from my collection, photo by R.N.Smith, additional »Qantas« titles

Ex N63AJ, registered to Reeve as N178RV 4th Apr 1978 and leased to NWT as C-GNWC Apr 1987-Sep 1988. Returned to Reeve and became N2RK 6th Sep 2002

Later to Buffalo Airways as C-FIJX.

Modern airtanker belly tanks are complex pieces of engineering, with eight compartments on the Electras of Air Spray and Buffalo Airways. This view with fairings removed, looking forward, shows the control mechanisms for the even-numbered rear four compartments.

Another 'jet prop' with an interesting history, that is quite well documented on AirHistory. This one was delivered to TEAL in New Zealand in 1959. She had a number of US and Canadian operators from 1972 onwards, including Reeve Aleutian Airways. Undergoing continued work here on the conversion into airtanker. The paint scheme on the fuselage is still mostly following the Reeve livery but with different colours.

Formerly N2RK, this Electra would eventually go over to Air Spray for conversion to air tanker and is now operating in the Buffalo Airways fleet as Tanker 416

On lease from Reeve Aleutian and in their basic livery. The second use of this registration on an Electra by NWT (from Mar 1987 until Dec 1988). Current in 2021 as C-FIJX (Photo ID: 252274).

This Electra was converted to air tanker by Air Spray and is seen here awaiting flight testing.

Acquired by Atlantic Airlines in 2002, but unused and stored. Seen here still in Reeve Aleutian colours (ex N178RV), but with the titles changed to Reeve Illusion as a joke by Atlantic Airlines employees. Sold to Buffalo Airways and registered to them as C-FIJX in Aug 2010. Departed Coventry on 12 Aug 2010 on delivery to Red Deer, AB, Canada. Conversion to airtanker started in 2013 and the Electra was taken in service as Tanker 416 following certification in May 2016.

Excellent TEAL (Air New Zealand) publicity photo of ZK-TEB over New Zealand's spectacular Southern Alps.

This ex Reeve Aleutian aircraft was painted in this fictitious livery as a joke on an Atlantic Airlines employee by the name of Reeve. It was stored outside and was used for spares.

TEAL became Air New Zealand in 1965.

Buffalo's first Electra firebomber, but with its belly tank removed. It would be another couple of years before the aircraft was certified by Canadian authorities.

ZK-TEB heads towards the international terminal while its replacement takes shape behind. The terminal opened in May 1970 and remains in use today, albeit greatly expanded.

This ex Reeve Aleutian aircraft was painted in this fictitious livery as a joke on an Atlantic Airlines employee by the name of Reeve. It is stored outside and is being used for spares though it appears to be essentially complete

Completed for Tasman Empire Airways in Decemberr 1959 as ZK-TEB. To Air NZ in April 1965 and sold in May 1972. Operated by Nordair from September 1972 until May 1976.

Sold in the US in 1972 as N35506