Key West (EYW) Inaugural Mainline Flights

[ChrisW]

Today was a big day for the folks at Key West Intl. Airport with the inauguration of two daily mainline 737-700 flights: Delta from ATL and AirTran from MCO. As far as I know, this is the first scheduled "large" aircraft into EYW since Eastern and National flew 727s in from MIA. I was fortunate enough to be given rooftop access to the new terminal at EYW by the airport director. Here are a few shots from the big day!

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N303DQ_EYW_1.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N303DQ_EYW_2.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N303DQ_EYW_3.jpg

No jetways at EYW! The way it should be! 8)
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N303DQ_EYW_5.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/IMG_9030.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N318AT_EYW_4.jpg

Despite the 4,300 foot-long runway at EYW, Delta had no problem getting off runway 9. Winds were out of the east at 20 knots which also helped.
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/N303DQ_EYW_7.jpg

A Mobile, AL-based CASA was operating out of the airport at the time as well.
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/n701dn/IMG_9069_1.jpg

Full set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/n701dn/set ... 021706174/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/n701dn/sets/72157623021706174/)
I also managed to take some non-aviation photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/n701dn/set ... 897305557/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/n701dn/sets/72157622897305557/)

Thanks for viewing! :-)

[hiss srq]

What are their procedures going to be come spring and summer to get out of there? Flaps 25 packs off APU on? That's got to be one heck of a fun arrival and departure to fly in the 737. Autobrakes max and the works. :borat: Are they running weight restricted?

[ChrisW]

Didn't run weight restricted today. We'll see what happens in the summer.

[PhilDernerJr]

I still have yet to lay my eyes on a Delta 737-700. Great looking plane. Good coverage, Chris!