After much speculation, it was confirmed that an unidentified customer who purchased a Boeing 747-8 early last year was revealed to be the Government of Egypt. The state was announced as the mystery customer last fall, taking on a jumbo that was intended for Lufthansa.
A twist of events
Lufthansa was the launch customer of the 747-8. It still deploys the aircraft well, holding 19 units of the quadjet in its fleet. MSN 37826 was also set to join the flag carrier of Germany’s holdings in the form of registration D-ABYE. However, the airline did not take this unit on. Instead, it received registration N828BA, which previously held test registration N6067U.
Thus, MSN 37826 was sent to the Mojave Desert to soak in the sun while still in Lufthansa's colors. It was then revealed that Egyptian officials snapped up the plane.
According to ch-aviation, the aircraft has been registered as SU-EGY with the Egyptian Air Force since October 13th, 2021. The unit is currently sitting at Hamburg Helmut Schmidt. Notably, Hamburg is the base of Lufthansa Technik.
SU-EGY left Boeing's site at Everett, Washington, at 15:02 PDT on November 6th. The aircraft then arrived in Hamburg at 07:34 CET the following morning. The plane is approaching 11 years old, having performed its first flight on April 26th, 2011.
Still associated
Overall, even though Lufthansa did not take on the aircraft, it is assisting with the transfer of it to its new customer. Lufthansa Technik is a maintenance, completions, repair, and overhaul services powerhouse across the aviation industry. As a result, the department is helping with the cabin outfitting for the new VIP operator.
Lufthansa Technik highlights that design is more than just creating a beautiful cabin. The brand states the following about its VIP cabin services:
“We are able to conceptualize interiors for all international styles, always employing the finest luxury components and materials. From clean government style to rich baroque or cool Asian – our team of designers and engineers is ready to show endless possibilities. All designs are developed with constant reference to engineering possibilities and airworthiness requirements, ensuring certification and durability. Maintainability and possible future upgrades are, of course, always in our minds. No matter how exceptional your wishes are, we are the right partner to turn them into reality.”
Therefore, Lufthansa Technik will undoubtedly be fitting in plenty of lavish amenities for Egypt’s VIP passengers. The outfit also has plenty of experience with military aircraft, covering their complete lifecycle.
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A critical role
There have been mumblings that SU-EGY could replace Egypt’s current presidential jet, a function currently served by an Airbus A340-200 holding registration SU-GGG. The 747 is no stranger to serving government heads, having performed as Air Force One for over three decades. This is a position that the type is set to continue holding into the next generation, with a pair of Boeing 747-8s ordered by the United States Air Force to replace the current Boeing 747-200Bs.
It's not only the US where the 747 has served the Head of State. For instance, a 747-400 was referred to as Air India One to fly India's President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. A Boeing 777-300ER replaced the aircraft in October 2020.
Altogether, whether it's a supplement or replacement to the A340, the 747 has vast experience in transporting officials across the globe. Fans of the Queen of the Skies will be glad that it still remains integral to important missions after five decades it was introduced.
What are your thoughts about the Government of Egypt’s new Boeing 747-8? How do you expect it will perform? Let us know what you think of the aircraft and its operations in the comment section.