Bulgaria’s Compass Cargo Airlines becomes 58th active Boeing 747 operator

Compass Cargo Airlines, a Bulgaria-based cargo airline, has recently added its first Boeing 747 aircraft to its fleet, making it the 58th active operator of this type. The Boeing 747-400F, with registration LZ-CJA, completed its maiden flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia Airport (SOF) on July 19, 2023. During the landing, the “Queen of the skies” performed an impressive low pass followed by a right turn to join downwind.

This milestone marks not only Compass Cargo Airlines’ first Boeing 747 but also the first one for Bulgaria as a country. The all-cargo airline now joins the ranks of 68 other carriers worldwide that collectively operate 344 Boeing 747s. Interestingly, out of these active aircraft, 72 are configured for passenger transportation, 263 are used for cargo operations, four serve as testbeds, and another four are designated as military jets, specifically the E-4Bs, known as the “Doomsday Planes” of the United States Air Force (USAF). Additionally, a single aircraft operates as a combi variant, belonging to Dubai Royal Air Wing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with registration A6-COM.

Compass Cargo Airlines’ latest Boeing 747-400F had an interesting journey before joining the fleet. It was originally ordered and delivered to Singapore Airlines Cargo in September 2001. However, in 2016, Singapore Airlines phased out the aircraft, and ownership was transferred to Turkey-based ACT Airlines. From April 2016 to January 2021, SAUDIA leased the aircraft from ACT Airlines before it finally found its way to Compass Cargo Airlines in July 2023.

It’s worth noting that Boeing’s production of the 747 came to an end, with the last-ever 747 being delivered to Atlas Air on January 31, 2023, making a total of 1,574 aircraft of this iconic type built by the company.

Compass Cargo Airlines’ acquisition of the Boeing 747-400F signifies an important addition to their fleet and enhances their capabilities as a cargo carrier. The aircraft’s storied history and prestigious status as one of the most recognizable commercial airplanes in the world make this news a significant development for the airline and the aviation industry as a whole.