By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: World’s least used Boeing 747 likely to be scrapped
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > World’s least used Boeing 747 likely to be scrapped

World’s least used Boeing 747 likely to be scrapped

Josh McMinn
Last updated: 21 April 2022 18:17
By Josh McMinn 2 Min Read
Share
Saudi royal Boeing 747-8 never used
SHARE

A Boeing 747-8, almost never used, has been flown to an aircraft boneyard in Marana, Arizona. Likely to be scrapped

World’s least used jet

The world’s least-flown 747 has been transported to the Marana desert in Arizona, likely to be scrapped. Flight tracking data shows the aircraft departing from Basel, Switzerland, on Friday, 15 April, and touching down in Arizona 11 hours later. Marana is home to Pinal County Airpark, an aircraft “boneyard” where planes are taken to be scrapped and harvested for parts.

Boeing 747-8 Saudi
N458BJ in-flight | © RWB

The aircraft, registration N458BJ, is one of the few privately-owned 747s ever made. It was originally constructed for the Saudi Royals in 2012 to serve as a transport for state visits. However, the plane has spent the last ten years sitting in storage at Basel Airport instead.

Why was the plane never flown?

Over the course of its lifetime, N458BJ has seen only 42 hours in the air. A tiny amount, considering a regular 747, might log over 100,000 flight hours before it is scrapped. So how come it was never used? The jet was first commissioned by the Saudi Arabian Royal Flight group in June 2012 and was to be registered HM-HMS1. However, the crown prince it was bought for died whilst the aircraft’s interior was still being prepared. And so the plane has sat unused for ten years.

boeing 747-8 unfinished interior
The unfinished interior of the royal Boeing 747 | © SRAM MRAM

Three days before it was flown out, the plane was purchased back by Boeing, leading some to speculate that it may get a second life. It seems unlikely given the jet’s destination, but given the plane is almost pristine, it is ripe for conversion.

What are your thoughts on the 747 being scrapped? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

You Might Also Like

In-Flight Gambling: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Opportunity Grounded by History and Law

Moving Abroad: How to Choose the Right Country for Your Next Adventure

RwandAir Expands Fleet, Welcomes Two New Boeing 737-800s

Delta Agrees to Pay $78.75 million Settlement for Fuel Dump Lawsuit

airBaltic Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad2
Happy0
Angry0
Josh McMinn
By Josh McMinn
Follow:
Jr Reporter - Josh is an Jr. Aviation Reporter at Travel Radar covering the latest industry news, developments and passenger experiences. Outside of reporting, Josh is a talented artist and camera operator with experience spanning several industries.
Previous Article Dublin Airport Noise Complaints Dublin Airport received 12,272 noise complaints from one person in 2021
Next Article RwandAir flight runway excursion Entebbe uganda RwandAir flight has runway excursion at Entebbe Airport
2 Comments
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
richard tomb
richard tomb
3 years ago

i think you better keep it and fiy it maqke money on it

0
Reply
aviation techops on youtube search it
aviation techops on youtube search it
3 years ago

i know for a fact this plane has more a probability of becoming a freighter then it being scrapped i know i work in the industry as an mechanic and i happen to work at pinal air park 😁 the plane flew here and left the same day it came here to arizona . i posted the landing on my youtube channel Aviation techops

0
Reply

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Qantas A321XLR
Qantas Orders 20 New A321XLR Aircraft
Aircraft Airlines Aviation Manufacturing Route Development
Federal Aviation Authority with University of Dayton researched the EMAS a safety feature
Philadelphia International Airport Installs new Safety Feature on Runway to Stop Overrun Aircraft
Aviation Travel Radar
JetBlue aircraft
JetBlue and Condor Expand Partnership to Boost Loyalty Benefits
Airlines Points & Loyalty Travel
Cochin International Airport Terminal
Kerala Aviation Summit 2025: Focus on Infrastructure and Flight Connectivity
Airports Airshow & Events Aviation
Finnair Airbus A330-300 on the runway at Heathrow airport
Finnair Launches New Mediterranean Routes
Airlines Aviation Route Development Travel
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?