Sud Aviation Caravelle

October 2004 - TAA bid adios to the 1961 Caravelle jet aircraft that was purchased over 18 years ago for $1 from Viscount Services. The vintage plane has been used by the airport fire and police personnel for training exercises simulating passenger rescue. Developed in 1955 by the French Sud Aviation firm, the plane is generally considered to be the first jet airliner design and was one of the most successful jetliners sold throughout Europe for several years. A total of 279 Caravelles of all types were built. James Scroggins, president of Scroggins Aviation, Inc., is removing the aircraft and replacing it with a more modern DC-9 or B737 at no cost. One of only a few Caravelles remaining in the U.S., the aircraft will be restored and displayed in an aviation museum in Las Vegas.