N980ST

The airframe bearing tail number N980ST is a Boeing-built short-to-medium range transport completed in 1990 with manufacturer serial number 24750. It is a member of the Boeing 737-400 series, listed as model Boeing 737-4B3 (737-400 C) and was delivered by Boeing. The aircraft is registered in the US and is owned by the NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, a government entity based in Albuquerque, NM, US, which establishes its primary operator/home base linkage to federal operations in New Mexico. There are no additional public registry actions noted beyond its U.S. registration; condition and valuation details are not published in the provided data.

This specific airframe is configured in a combi cabin arrangement, described as Combi (passenger/cargo convertible), up to 149 seats (typical combi layout), enabling flexible conversion between passenger seating and cargo carriage depending on mission requirements. Typical mission profiles for a government-operated 737-400 combi include medium-range transport, personnel movement and logistics support on routes consistent with its 2,060 nm range and cruise speed of 485 kt, operating from the owner’s base in Albuquerque, NM. The two CFM56-3C turbofan engines provide thrust ratings of 23,515 lbf each, supporting operations up to its service ceiling of 37,000 ft. Maintenance considerations for this airframe will align with legacy 737-400 combi practices, including airframe corrosion checks and engine shop visits consistent with the CFM56-3C maintenance intervals.

The Boeing 737-4B3 (737-400 C) belongs to the 737 Classic family, positioned for short-to-medium haul missions where combi flexibility is valued. Its performance—cruise of 485 kt and range of 2,060 nm—made it competitive historically with contemporaries in the narrowbody regional/short-haul sector. Market and resale considerations for a 1990-built 737-400 combi include the aircraft’s age, parts availability for the CFM56-3C engines, and demand among government or charter operators requiring mixed passenger/cargo capability.