Saudia Transports Retired Boeing 777s by Road for New Tourist Attraction

Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has undertaken a remarkable project involving the relocation of three retired Boeing 777 aircraft from Jeddah to Riyadh. These aircraft, now decommissioned, are being repurposed for an innovative new tourist attraction named ‘Boulevard Runway.’

Instead of flying the aircraft the short distance between the two airports, Saudia chose to transport the planes by road. The widebody jets were moved using oversized trucks, a feat that involved craning the almost-complete fuselages onto trailers for their 530-mile (850 km) journey.

Photos shared on social media platform X show the retired Boeing 777-200ERs stripped of their wings, tails, and horizontal stabilizers before being lifted onto the trailers. These aircraft, once a staple in Saudia’s fleet, will now serve a new purpose as part of an exciting tourist destination.

Here’s a closer look at the aircraft involved:

HZ-AKG: Delivered in March 1998, this 26.6-year-old plane was withdrawn from service in September 2016. It has been in storage at Jeddah Airport since its retirement.

HZ-AKK: This aircraft, delivered in September 1998, is 26.1 years old. It was also retired in September 2016 after 18 years of service with Saudia.

HZ-AKP: The youngest of the trio, this 25.6-year-old plane was delivered in March 1999 and retired in June 2017.

The aircraft were replaced in Saudia’s fleet by newer models, including the larger Boeing 777-300ERs, of which the airline currently operates 37, and the more recent Boeing 787-8s and 787-9s.

The Boulevard Runway project aims to provide an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts and tourists. The retired Boeing 777s will be repurposed as part of this attraction, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore these iconic aircraft up close.

Saudia’s decision to transport the planes by road, rather than by air, underscores the scale of the operation and the effort involved in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. The move not only highlights the airline’s commitment to preserving aviation history but also its innovative approach to creating new attractions for visitors.