MSGID: 2:292/854 1a244757   
   TZUTC: 0200                     
   An almost new Boeing 747-8 in VIP version has returned to the US after ten   
   years of being parked in Basel Switzerland. The plane was flown to an aircraft   
   graveyard in Arizona. It remains to be seen whether a new destination for the   
   jumbo will be found.   
       
   The Boeing 747-8 was not exactly a sales success. A total of 36 passenger   
   aircraft were built for Lufthansa, Air China and Korean Air. In addition, 107   
   firm orders were placed by freight carriers such as Cargolux, UPS, Atlas Air   
   and AirBridgeCargo.   
       
   In addition, Boeing offered the 747-8 as a VIP aircraft: the 747-8BBJ. Various   
   Arab government leaders and US President Donald Trump fell for the charms of   
   the four-engined air giant.   
       
   The Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Abdul Aziz also decided to purchase one. The   
   plane would go to Basel after the delivery to get a VIP interior there.   
   However, the crown prince died before he could receive the aircraft. As a   
   result, the Boeing remained in Switzerland.   
       
   Attempts to sell the aircraft were unsuccessful. Owner AFG Aviation Ireland   
   Limited now reports that the aircraft has been sold to manufacturer Boeing. It   
   is not yet clear whether it is trying to sell the plane again.   
       
   Production of the Boeing 747-8 will be discontinued at the end of this year,   
   ending the production of the iconic jumbo jet after more than fifty years.   
      
   --- DB4 - 20220222   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)   
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