Dhaka, April 9 -- Seattle-based carrier Alaska Airlines ferried the first-ever-produced Boeing 737-900 to Pinal Airpark in Arizona for retirement on April 8. The aircraft departed from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at around 11:30.

The move comes amid efforts to erase the variant-considered the most important and beloved airframe in its fleet-from its operations.

The aircraft took to the skies for the first time nearly a quarter of a century ago, and soon it would have celebrated its 22nd anniversary with Alaska, if it did not retire.

According to reports, the aircraft recorded 67,909 flight hours across 27,560 flight cycles throughout its 22 years with Alaska. Now, the retirement is right on schedule-the minimum date being Apri...