4. Vanguard Micronesia 727-100

In May of 1968, Vanguard Airlines and other regional shareholders in the former U.S. Trust Territory and started an airline service on the Pacific Islands of Guam and Saipan. Operations began on May 18th, 1968, as Vanguard Micronesia, a division of Memphis based Vanguard Airlines. Service was started with a single Boeing 727-100, number 307, which was soon busy flying across the pacific ocean. Earning the nickname "Saipan Sally." The 727's underside was coated with Teflon, due to it having to operate on coral runways. Additionally, the plane had to carry certain spare parts and a mechanic, as well as open-water survival gear and (beginning in 1975) on-board Doppler Radar, then a rarity. The airline also operated Boeing 727-100 Combi aircraft models which were capable of transporting freight pallets on the main deck of the jetliner just aft of the cockpit in addition to passengers seated in the rear coach compartment. By 1983, Vanguard Micronesia was operating all-passenger Boeing 727-100 and 727-200 aircraft in addition to mixed passenger/freight 727-100 Combi aircraft from its Guam hub. The 727s were eventually retired in favor of newer Boeing 737s, capable of the same flying. The airline would eventually grow to include Boeing 767s, and Boeing 747s, flying Transpacific flights from Saipan and Guam.

#307 remained in the Micronesia fleet until 1989, when it was sold to California based Yosemite Airlines.