The first CV-340 for National, Airline of the Stars. The Netherlands CAA initially recorded c/n 108 in their reservation for KLM's PH-TGD (c/n 104). This was changed on 23 May 1953. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

taken by unknown photographer

Pacific Western Airlines Convair 640, CF-PWY, photographed from the original observation deck unloading passengers in the rain at Vancouver International Airport in September 1973. Many decades would pass before 'jet bridges' were introduced at YVR for turboprop services. PWA repainted this aircraft a few years later in a blue and white colour scheme. After PWA it was operated by Aero Trades Western Ltd., Worldways Canada (1982-1983), Air Niagara (1983-1994) and then leased back and forth between Time Air and North Canada Air at least three times between 1987 to 1993, then retired.

Built in 1953 as a CV-340 for National Airlines, converted to 640 in 1966 then to Pacific Western Airlines as CF-PWY in 1969. Here with Time Air in their early livery and possibly on delivery from Toronto (with Worldways) to Calgary. Withdrawn from use in 1990 and cancelled from the register in March 1993.

The extra length made the 640 a little sleeker looking than the CV-600, but both models, although not as successful as the 580, extended the useful life of the design.

This Convair rolled out as a 340 on August 19, 1953 for National Airlines (N8412H). Sold to Hawaiian Airlines in May 1959, it was re-registered N5514K and converted to a 640. Coming to Canada as CF-PWY for Pacific Western Airlines December 19, 1969, it went to Aero Trades Western in 1978 as PW standardized on 737s for passenger services. When Aero Trades ceased operations in 1984, the Convair went to Time Air until stored at Spring Bank, Alberta at the end of 1991.