747SP: The Rare and Remarkable Boeing Jet That Still Soars in 2023 — How Many Are Left Flying?
As airlines continue to retire their older aircraft and replace them with newer, faster, and more modern jets, there are only a handful of operators still flying the previous generation of aircraft that paved the way for our current aviation technology. One such aircraft that stands out from the crowd is the Boeing 747SP. This variant of the iconic Boeing 747 jet airliner was designed specifically for ultra-long-range flights and boasts exceptional performance.
The “SP” in the 747SP name stands for “Special Performance,” highlighting the aircraft’s superior capabilities when it comes to extended range and speed. Introduced in 1975, the Boeing 747SP remained in production until 1989, with only 45 units built in total. This rarity makes it a unique and fascinating aircraft in today’s aviation landscape.
Originally created to meet the demands of airlines requiring a long-range aircraft capable of flying non-stop on long-haul routes with a smaller passenger capacity, the 747SP boasts several distinctive features that set it apart from its predecessors. One of these features is its shortened fuselage, which is around 14.35 meters (47 feet 1 inch) shorter than that of the standard 747–100 and 747–200 models. This reduction in length allows the 747SP to carry fewer passengers, typically around 200–300 in a standard two-class configuration, but provides it with increased range and higher cruising speeds.
Despite being an older aircraft, the Boeing 747SP continues to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and remains a popular choice for a select few airlines. Its unique design, exceptional performance, and historical significance make it a fascinating piece of aviation history that is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.
The range of the 747SP is one of its main advantages, as it can fly up to 10,174 nautical miles (18,853 kilometers) without refueling, depending on the variant and specific configuration. This enables it to operate on long-haul routes such as transoceanic or transcontinental flights, and it has been used by airlines for both passenger and cargo operations.
A notable feature of the 747SP is its shortened fuselage, measuring about 14.35 meters (47 feet 1 inch) less than the standard 747–100 and 747–200 models. While this reduces passenger capacity to between 200 and 300 in a typical two-class configuration, it provides increased range and higher cruising speeds. The aircraft is powered by four engines, typically Pratt & Whitney JT9D or Rolls-Royce RB211 engines, which enable it to achieve a high cruising speed of up to Mach 0.92 (around 1,100 km/h or 680 mph) and a maximum altitude of up to 45,100 feet (13,746 meters).
A number of airlines have operated the 747SP, including Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), Iran Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and the Sultan of Brunei. Its versatility and performance have made it an enduring aircraft, even as newer models have emerged. The 747SP’s unique design and impressive capabilities have cemented its place in aviation history.
Operators
The Boeing 747SP is a rare aircraft, with only four currently in operation with three operators worldwide, according to planespotters.net. Despite its limited presence in the skies, it remains a beloved aircraft among aviation enthusiasts for its unique design and capabilities.
One of the current operators of the 747SP is the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a multinational casino and resort company based in Paradise, Nevada, United States. The company owns a single Boeing 747SP with registration VP-BLK, which was originally delivered to Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1980. After serving with TWA for five years, it was delivered to the Dubai Air Wing and configured for VIP transport with the registration A6-SMR. The aircraft was later purchased by Las Vegas Sands Corporation in 2007.
Las Vegas Sands Corporation operates several iconic properties in Las Vegas, such as The Venetian and The Palazzo, as well as properties in Macau and Singapore, including Marina Bay Sands and Sands Cotai Central. In addition to its gaming operations, the company is involved in various non-gaming businesses, such as convention and exhibition facilities, retail, dining, and entertainment. It also places a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, with initiatives focused on sustainability, community development, and responsible gaming.
With its distinctive shortened fuselage and impressive range, the 747SP has been utilized by various airlines and government entities for a range of purposes, including as a flagship aircraft for ultra-long-haul flights, as a VIP or government transport aircraft, and as a dedicated cargo aircraft.
The second operator is Pratt & Whitney Engine services, a company that provides various services related to aircraft engines, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The company in particular, focuses on providing engine maintenance and repair services for various types of engines, including those used in commercial aircraft.
The fleet consists of 2 Boeing 747SP with registerations C-PFAW and C-GTFF, of which C-GTFF is a 5-engine jumbo jet , an odd looking one, however, the aircraft is used as a flight test bed, and unlike many of the other jumbo jets, which would be a normal passenger configuration or a VIP one, this has neither, but has workstations for flight engineers for them to anaylise the resutls of the experiments. According to planespotters.net, was delivered to Pratt & Whitney Engine services in 2007, and flew with Transatlantic International Airlines (TIA), Wings World Wide — The Air Medical Foundation and original began its journey with Korean Air Lines in 1981.
The last but not the least, an exquisite Boeing 747SP with an all VIP configuration amongst the very interesting fleet of the Royal Flight of Oman. The Boeing 747SP, a luxury in sky consists of many features such as an all executive quarters on upper deck, large forward lounge in the nose, two bedrooms with twin beds and much more as depicted in the picture below:
Bearing the registration of A40-SO, the VIP Boeing 747SP was delivered intially to Braniff International Airways in 1979 and later delivered to the Royal Flight of Oman in 1984 and has been in operation ever since, tagging along with the rest of the VIP fleet of an Airbus A319, A320, Boeing 744, Boeing 748 and many more!
However, as of January 2020, the Boeing 747SP of the Royal Flight of Oman is currently parked at Muscat International Airport, according to the planespotters.net database, and is awaiting further journeys similar to the ones it has made over the past 43.5 years. It is a testament to the longevity and durability of the 747SP that it has served the Royal Flight of Oman for such a long time and remains in excellent condition despite being temporarily par
Overall, the Boeing 747SP is a unique and specialized variant of the iconic 747 aircraft, known for its extended range, increased speed, and distinctive shortened fuselage design. Despite its limited production and relatively small number of units in service, the 747SP has played an important role in aviation history and has been favored by airlines and operators for specific long-haul requirements. It remains a significant and recognizable part of aviation history.
To read more in-depth as to why Boeing specifically built the 747SP: https://medium.com/@aviationsurf/why-did-boeing-build-the-747sp-ff59c2f10d58
