Bob, why don't you enlighten us then about this former American Airlines/Dubai Royal Flight bird. It would be great to know some of the recent stuff about it since this "ministry" is so secretive about it, it's movements, the interior, and it's purpose.
Eric, I have to admit, that's very fascinating and I should say that I'm not surprised about the small cycle count on the airframe. Thank you very much!
Michael
24-Oct-2007 14:40
Er, no, this was never a freighter. Boeing never offered a freighter version of the 747SP. Generally freight carriers don't fly such long distances non-stop and I am sure the SP would have been quite ineffecient as a freighter. I also don't think there is enough 'flat' space on the rear fuselage for a cargo door because it has an unusual taper not found on a standard 747.
poster411
11-Sep-2007 18:42
This plane was referred to as Star Triple Seven before the Boeing 777 started to be called "triple 7". Also "Star Triple Seven" is not the name of the company that owns it, it is the name given to the plane.
This is actually a Boeing 747SP-31. Which is a varient of a typical 747. If you notice it is shorter than a typical 744. "Star Triple Seven" is the company that owns the plane.