Dubai Royal Air Wing

A6 COM Dubai Royal 747 Planespotters net

A rare treat for enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland last Friday (27 June)

The Dubai Royal Air Wing 747 visited STN and DUB and here’s the reason why. The Irish Derby Festival 27-29 June attracts horse racing aficionados as well as fashionistas and families. Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, it’s only right that there’s some representation from the Gulf State.

Known for his wide knowledge of horse racing, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attends prestigious races around the world to keep a watch on entries from his stable. Much speculation surrounded whether he was the only passenger on board. He usually has a group of family, friends and security on these trips.

So, let’s look at this private airline in more detail. The 34-year-old B747-433M was previously registered as C-GAGM, N770PC and VT-AIM. As you would expect its exterior is immaculate. Something commented on by many observers on YouTube channel, DubJet Aviation. Only a select few ever see the interior! As you would expect, it too is immaculate. No expense has been spared. As you would expect, there’s a fair amount of gold present. There’s no “cattle class” seating; instead it’s fitted out with around 20 armchair style seats in the main area. The aircraft divided into separate areas on the upper and lower decks. These include a master bedroom, dining room and bathroom.

Where is the airline based? It’s located on the southeast side of DXB, in purpose-built facilities. There’s a hangar capable of holding up to 8 aircraft. Constructed in 2008, it has undergone 2 renovations. As you would expect, it can even accommodate the A380. The exclusive terminal is routinely upgraded to offer an unrivalled passenger experience for dignitaries. The work carried out by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects.

What other aircraft form the Dubai Royal Air Wing? A total of 11 form the fleet, broken down as follows –

1 x B737-700 BBJ

2 x B737-800

3 x B737-800 BBJ2

2 x B747-400

1 x B747-400M

1 x B747-400F

1 x B777-200ER

Interestingly, B727-200Adv was transferred to Emirates as their first aircraft.

A standalone operation with the company’s own pilots, cabin crew, engineers and support staff. However, it’s not clear whether their pay and conditions are the same or better than those enjoyed by the country’s airline.

Finally, it’s understood that the 747 will return on either Monday or Tuesday (30 June/1 July).

In other news….

Boeing – having concluded its investigation into the “blow out” of a panel on an Alaska Airlines’ B737MAX. Without going into detail, as the full report is available online, NTSB has cited many failings by the manufacturer. The finger is also pointed at FAA for once again allowing Boeing to self-regulate its processes, instead of scrutinising.

FedEx – company founder, Fred Smith passed away recently. Starting the company in late 1972, with $80m of loans and equity financing, it was finally launched in 1973. However, rising fuel prices put much financial pressure on the company. At one point, FedEx reportedly had only $5,000 in the bank! It’s reported that he took an unplanned trip to Las Vegas and won $27,000 at the blackjack tables. The money was immediately wired back to FedEx to keep the company going. The Memphis (MEM) Airport Board recently voted for a rename, Frederick W. Smith International. From an enthusiasts perspective, without FedEx we would not have been able to log a variety of aircraft. Also, to still see the types that have retired from passenger service.

Information courtesy of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), DubJet, FlightAware

Images courtesy of Facebook (photo credit on image), Planespotters.net