YR-ASA

The Airbus A318-111, registered as YR-ASA and bearing the serial number 2931, was delivered to the Romanian flag carrier Tarom in November 2006. Named 'Aurel Vlaicu' after the famous Romanian aviation pioneer, the aircraft became a familiar sight across Europe, serving as one of the four 'Baby Buses' in the airline's fleet. For nearly 18 years, it operated primarily on short-to-medium-haul routes, connecting Bucharest to major hubs such as London and Istanbul, and was noted for its role as a rare and distinct member of the A320 family. As part of a broader fleet modernization and restructuring strategy, Tarom decided to phase out its A318 operations to improve efficiency. YR-ASA held the distinction of being the final A318 to remain in active service with the airline. Its retirement in October 2024 marked the end of an era for the carrier, which had been one of the few remaining operators of the type in Europe. Following its withdrawal from service, the airframe was sold to 3Top Aviation Services Limited, a company specializing in the acquisition of end-of-life aircraft. The legacy of this specific airframe has been preserved for aviation enthusiasts through the creation of a limited-edition series of 'Aviationtags,' which were crafted from the aircraft's fuselage to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the brand.