The history of TAME in color

✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers

Verified codes to save on your next trip.

Let's review the history of the now defunct historic Ecuadorian airline TAME, with a fleet count and incredible color photos.

Performed by: Aeronautical Historian Guido Chávez with personal information and other sources.
Photographs: personal file of Guido Chavez, thanks to the authors. And some photos of Nicolás Larenas

For almost six decades, Ecuadorian Military Air Transport (TAME) It was a fundamental pillar of Ecuador's airline sector. Unlike traditional civil airlines, TAME was born and remained under the auspices of the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE), representing a distinctive model of military aviation serving civil needs. This dual identity allowed TAME to play a crucial role in national integration, connecting Ecuador's diverse landscapes from the Andes to the Pacific coast, and from the Amazon to the Galapagos Islands. As a military entity operating in the civilian sphere, TAME embodied Ecuador's innovative approach to harnessing defense resources for the benefit of public service and national development.

Tame's story that should have followed

The 4 from December to 1962, TAME was born from the visionary proposal of Colonel Luis Ortega of the Ecuadorian Air Force. Ortega's comprehensive plan for an airline included detailed organizational schemes, finance and administration. With the crucial support of the Commander General of the FAE, Guillermo Freire, Ortega's dream quickly became a reality.

The operations of the new airline began at the Mariscal Sucre Air Base in Quito, home of Transportation Wing No. 11 of the FAE. Only thirteen days after its official creation, the 17 from December to 1962, TAME's inaugural flight took to the skies, marking the beginning of an era that would reconfigure the transportation landscape in Ecuador.

The Initial Fleet: The Douglas era

TAME's journey began with a fleet of Douglas C-47s, aircraft that epitomized versatility in both military and civilian roles. These sturdy workhorses, already tested in FAE service, made a smooth transition to TAME operations while maintaining their military status. C-47 fleet expanded through various means: some came through United States military aid programs, others were acquired in civilian markets, and several were reassigned from other FAE tasks. for december 1963, TAME operations were supported by ten C-47s, with nine actively flying.

C-47 service with TAME was marked by both triumphs and challenges. The 6 September 1969, dos TAME C-47 (FAE-4341 and FAE-1969) They were kidnapped in a coordinated terrorist operation. the aircraft, kidnapped under the name "Operation Ho-Chi-Minh", They were forced to fly to Cuba via Panama and Jamaica. This event highlighted the unique risks faced by a military-operated airline serving civilian routes..

As TAME's ambitions grew, so did their need for aircraft with greater range and capacity. Between 1963 and 1975, the airline strategically acquired seven Douglas DC-6Bs, marking a significant leap in its operational capabilities. These four-engine propeller planes, with its pressurized cabins and impressive range of 4,000 miles, They were a turning point for TAME. Some of these DC-6Bs were former United Airlines aircraft, bringing a touch of international aviation history to the skies of Ecuador.

The DC-6Bs played a key role in establishing and maintaining routes to the Galapagos Islands., a challenging flight of 600 miles over water from continental Ecuador. This new service not only boosted the country's tourism industry, but also strengthened connections with the ecologically crucial archipelago. With a capacity of up to 102 passengers and a cruising speed of 315 mph, These aircraft significantly improved TAME's ability to meet growing demand on popular routes..

Modernization begins: The turboprop era

The dawn of years 70 marked a new phase for TAME, characterized by the introduction of more modern turboprop aircraft. On 1970, TAME began integrating Hawker Siddeley aircraft 748, also known as Avros, in his fleet. These British-made turboprops represented a significant technological leap. With its pressurized cabins and improved speed, The Avros allowed TAME to offer a more comfortable and efficient service. Over the next few years, TAME would acquire a total of five Avros, gradually replacing the aging C-47.

Modernization continued between 1974 and 1975 when TAME acquired six Lockheed L-188 Electra. These four-engine turboprops played a crucial role in the expansion of TAME's domestic and international services.. The Electras were particularly suited to serving Ecuador's coastal routes and the increasingly popular Galapagos destinations.. Their long range and high speed made them ideal for connecting the main cities of Ecuador with the islands., further consolidating TAME's role in the country's growing tourism sector.

The Jet Age: Boeing and beyond

TAME's entry into the jet age began in 1981 with the introduction of the Boeing 737-200, affectionately nicknamed “Ciudad de Loja” after the southern city of Ecuador. The 737 quickly became a workhorse of the TAME fleet, serving both domestic and short-haul international routes.

Between 1984 and 1985, the airline introduced the Boeing 727-100 in his fleet, significantly improving its medium range capabilities and passenger capacity. Building on this success, TAME further updated its fleet between 1991 and 1999 with the acquisition of Boeing models 727-230. These advanced variants offered notable improvements in fuel efficiency and range compared to their predecessors..

At the beginning of the decade of 2000, TAME briefly operated a Boeing 757-200 (Mexican license plate XA-RLM) to address urgent capacity needs on specific routes. Although it was not intended to be a long-term addition to the fleet, the temporary deployment of 757 demonstrated TAME's agility in adapting to sudden changes in the market.

The Dutch connection: Fokker F-28

To cover routes with lower demand, TAME incorporated into its fleet in 1985 two Fokker F-28 Fellowship aircraft. These small jets proved valuable for regional operations, particularly in the Quito-Tulcán-Cali corridor. Despite a setback in January 2003, when an F-28 was damaged beyond repair in an accident in the Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport, TAME quickly replaced the lost aircraft, maintaining the capacity and operational flexibility of the fleet until its retirement in 2009.

Towards the new millennium: a European flavor

As we enter the 21st century, TAME began leasing Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. These modern, fuel-efficient aircraft represented a major step forward in terms of passenger comfort and operational efficiency.. In the following years, TAME would gradually increase its Airbus fleet, coming to operate until 12 of these types.

On 2013, TAME rented an Airbus A330, its first wide-body aircraft, intended to cover long distance routes, in particular to the United States. This measure reflected TAME's ambition to compete in the international market.

Brazilian engineering: the Embraer era

From 2006, TAME began to incorporate aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, adding two ERJ170 and five ERJ190. These modern aircraft provided a perfect middle ground between the smaller aircraft of TAME and its largest fleet of Boeing and Airbus, improving network flexibility and airline operating economics.

In a related development, TAME partnered with SAEREO, a small Ecuadorian airline, to operate TAME Express services using an EMB120 Brasilia turboprop. This agreement allowed TAME to serve smaller markets and maintain connections with communities that could not support larger aircraft service..

The introduction of these Embraer aircraft further improved the flexibility of TAME's network and its ability to match capacity to demand.. Its advanced avionics and fuel efficiency also contributed to improving the airline's operating economics..

In a related development that expanded TAME's regional reach, the airline partnered with SAEREO, a small Ecuadorian airline, to operate TAME Express services. As part of this agreement, a pair of EMB120 Brasilia turboprops were used on behalf of TAME Express. These aircraft 30 seating, although they are not directly part of the TAME fleet, allowed the airline to serve smaller markets and maintain connections with communities that could not support larger jet service, thus further fulfilling TAME's mission of providing comprehensive national connectivity.

The ATR and Kodiak Era

The last stage of TAME's history was marked by the introduction of ATR aircraft 42-500, modern turboprops that offered greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs. Between 2011 and 2012, TAME incorporated three ATRs 42-500 to your fleet, aimed at optimizing operations on national and regional routes.

Nevertheless, The airline faced various challenges in its last years, including financial difficulties, management and competition problems in the market. Despite restructuring and modernization efforts, TAME eventually ceased operations in 2020.

End of an era

The journey of 58 years of TAME came to an end in May 2020, amid financial difficulties exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. for years, TAME had been dealing with financial problems, accumulating a debt of $500 million in 2018. The pandemic dealt the final blow, what led to the decision of the Ecuadorian government to liquidate the airline as part of broader measures to reduce state spending.

The closure of TAME left a significant void in the aviation sector of Ecuador, particularly in serving smaller, less profitable routes. It also marked the end of Ecuador's experiment with a military-run airline serving civilian needs., a model that had been innovative and challenging throughout the history of TAME.

TAME's legacy as a pioneer in connecting the diverse regions and people of Ecuador will be long remembered.. Its journey from a military-backed startup to a modern airline with international ambitions remains a testament to Ecuador's progress during the second half of the 20th century and the first years of the 21st.. As Ecuador looks to the future of its aviation sector, Lessons learned from TAME's successes and challenges will undoubtedly continue to influence and shape the country's approach to air transport and national connectivity.

The entire Tame fleet

Finally, The author shares with us an incredible list of all the airplanes that were part of TAME's history in a collaboration with Diogo da Conceição (rotate the screen if you are watching on your cell phone):

Type	MSN	Civil Registration	FAE Serial	Remarks
C-47A	20151	N/A	15685/CA-685	Ex USAAF 43-15685.
C-47B	15601/27046	HC-AUP	49785	Ex USAAF 43-49785. WFU by 18-May-82.
C-47B	16032/32780	HC-AUQ	76448/CA-448	Ex USAAF 44-76448. Noted preserved 30-Oct-94
C-47A	20143	HC-AUR	15677/CA-677	Ex USAAF 43-15677. WO Quito 01-Feb-75.
C-47B	15605/27050	HC-OFF	49789	Ex USAAF 43-49789. Last reported 14-Dec-81. Scrapped.
C-47B	16748/33496	HC-AUT	77164/CA-164	Ex USAAF 44-77164. Preserved FAE Museum, Quito.
C-47A	1969	HC-AUV	31969	Ex NC-17323. WFU 18-May-82. To HK-3350.
C-47A	20120	HC-OUCH	20120	Ex USAAF 43-15654. Last reported 1972.
C-47A	20179	HC-AUX	20179/CA-179	Ex USAAF 43-15713. WO 12-Sep-71 at Cerro de Hoja.
C-53D	11747	HC-AUY	11747/CA-747	Ex USAAF 42-68820. Noted preserved 15-Sep-94
C-47	4341	HC-HEARING	CA4341	Ex USAAF 41-7842. Last reported 28-Oct-77.
C-47A	11825	HC-AVC	92066	Ex USAAF 42-92066. Preserved Villavicencio, Colombia as HK-3349.
DC-3BD	11775	HC-AVD	11775	Ex USAAF 42-68848. WFU by May 82. To HK-3348X
C-47A	9788	N/A	23926	Ex USAAF 42-23926. Derelict at Quito by 28-Jan-77.
DC-6B	43564	N/A	FAE-43564	WFU by Oct-1975. Scrapped.
DC-6B	43266	HC-AJF	FAE-43266	To HC-ATK in Sep-64.
DC-6B	42882	HC-APF	FAE-42882	Spares source. Possibly scrapped.
DC-6B	45535	HC-AVG	FAE-45535	To HP-1146PCX in 1990.
DC-6B	44691	HC-AVH	FAE-44691	Preserved at FAE Museum by May-23.
DC-6B	45063	HC-AVI	FAE-063	Preserved at La Carolina Park, Quito by Nov-22.
DC-6B	45133	HC-AXS	FAE-45133	To HR-AKQ in 1988.
HS-748	1682	HC-AUD	FAE-682	Noted stored by Nov-10.
HS-748	1683	HC-UP	FAE-683	WO 20-Jan-76 at Loja.
HS-748	1684	HC-AUK	FAE-684	Preserved at Mariscal Sucre Air Base by Aug-24.
HS-748	1738	HC-BAZ	FAE-738	Noted stored by Nov-22 at Latacunga as Parachute training aid.
HS-748	1739	HC-BEY	FAE-739	Scrapped.
L-188A	1002	HC-AMS	FAE-1002	Spares source. Scrapped by May-82.
L-188A	1004	HC-ANQ	FAE-1004	Spares source. Scrapped by May-82.
L-188C	2004	HC-AZJ	FAE-2004	WO Apr-1989 at Taura.
L-188A	1050	HC-AZL	FAE-1050	To PP-VNJ by Apr-86.
L-188A	1040	HC-AZT	FAE-1040	To PP-VNK by Apr-86.
L-188A	1052	HC-AZY	FAE-1052	WO 12-Sep-88 at Lago Agrio.
DHC-6	453	HC-BAV	FAE-453	WO 02-Sep-80 Mount Illinois.
DHC-6	457	HC-BAX	FAE-457	WO 21-May-81 Zumba.
DHC-6	446	HC-BCG	FAE-446	WO 20-Nov-84 near Valladolid, Zamora Chinchipe.
737	22607	HC-BIG	FAE-22607	WO 11-Jun-83 near Cuenca.
727	22078	HC-BHM	FAE-078	Preserved at Parque Acuático Rey, in Guayas, by Nov-22.
727	19691	HC-BLE	FAE-691	Stored at Latacunga, Aug-24.
727	19692	HC-BLF	FAE-692	WO 28-Jan-02 at Cerro Cumbal, ipiales, Colombia.
727	20328	HC-BLV	FAE-328	Noted stored by Nov-22 at Latacunga.
727	20560	HC-BRI	FAE-560	WFU by Oct-04. Scrapped.
727	20788	HC-BSC	FAE-788	Nose section preserved at Latacunga by Aug-24.
727	21622	HC-BSU	FAE-622	WO 20-Apr-98 Cerro El Cable, Bogota, Colombia
727	21689	N/A	FAE-689	To N915PG by Nov-00.
727	21618	HC-BZR	FAE-618	Scrapped at Latacunga.
727	21620	HC-BZS	FAE-620	Stored at Latacunga, Aug-24.
F-28	11220	HC-BMD	FAE-220	Damaged by 16-Jan-03. Scrapped at Quito in 2013.
F-28	11228	HC-CEH	FAE-228	Scrapped at Quito in 2013.
F-28	11112	HC-BZU	FAE-112	Scrapped at Quito in 2013.
A319	2659	HC-CGT	N/A	Stored at Marana Aug-24.
A319	946	HC-CMO	N/A	Scrapped at Marana.
A319	1934	HC-CMP	N/A	Scrapped at Phoenix.
A319	949	HC-COF	N/A	Scrapped at Marana.
A320	2014	HC-CDY	N/A	To TAM Brazil
A320	2044	HC-CDZ	N/A	To TAM Brazil
A320	657	HC-CGJ	N/A	WFU by Mar-14. Scrapped at Tucson.
A320	2084	HC-CGW	N/A	To Red Wings.
A320	934	HC-CID	N/A	WFU by Jul-19. Scrapped at Marana.
A320	1368	HC-COC	N/A	WFU by Feb-17. Scrapped at Phoenix.
A320	1339	HC-COE	N/A	WFU by Oct-18. Scrapped at San Bernardino.
A320	1500	HC-CPB	N/A	WFU by May-20. Stored at Tucson by Aug-24.
A330	348	HC-COH	N/A	WFU by Jan-19. Scrapped at St. Athan.
EMB120	120088	HC-CDM	N/A	Returned to SAEREO. Seized at Guatemala City in Aug-12.
EMB120	120227	HC-CEM	N/A	Returned to SAEREO.
ERJ170	17000087	HC-CEX	N/A	WFU in 2014. To Aeromexico Connect.
ERJ170	17000092	HC-CEY	N/A	WFU in 2014. To Aeromexico Connect.
ERJ190	19000027	HC-CEZ	N/A	WO 16-Nov-11 at Quito.
ERJ190	19000137	HC-CGF	N/A	WFU in Dec-19. Preserved at Lago San Pablo.
ERJ190	19000141	HC-CGG	N/A	WFU in 2019. Preserved at Tababela.
ERJ190	19000372	HC-COX	N/A	WO 28-Apr-16 at Cuenca. Preserved by Aug-24.
ERJ190	19000373	HC-COY	N/A	WFU Aug-19. To Airlink
ATR-42	849	HC-CMB	N/A	WFU Mar-20. To WinAir
ATR-42	844	HC-CLT	N/A	WFU Mar-20. To Aerlink Australia.
ATR-42	854	HC-CMH	N/A	WFU Mar-20. To WinAir.
Kodiak 100	100-0090	HC-CPE	N/A	Stored at Shell Mera by Aug-24.
Kodiak 100	100-0096	HC-CPF	N/A	Accident on 05-Jan-17, but was repaired.
Kodiak 100	100-0106	HC-CPG	N/A	To Nirsa.

Originally published in LAAHS in August 2024: www.laahs.com/tame-colors

✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers

Search here for hotels ALL over the world at the best price.