4. Vanguard Airlines 747SP 1970-1981

In addition to the standard sized 747-100 and 747-200 aircraft, the emerald airline ventured into the transcontinental market with the smaller 747SP. To complement the DC-10 fleet, Vanguard opted for 12 747SP, which flew the Transcontinental routes from San Fransisco and Washington D.C. to the West coast. Additionally, they could be found flying LAX-JFK, and LAX-BOS in peak winter seasons. Later in their service with Vanguard, they were shifted to International routes out of Houston and Washington D.C., flying to South America and Europe as the 747-100s began to retire. The last 747SP was retired in 1994.