Saudia has astonishingly transported 3 large retired Boeing 777 aircraft all the way from Jeddah to Riyadh by road for use at the new Riyadh Season 2024 Boulevard Runway zone.
The planes, aged over 25 years, covered the 850 km journey by road on very large trucks after being stripped of their wings, fuselages, and useful parts.
The BLVD Runway zone will provide visitors with unique aircraft-themed entertainment experiences, including 5 world-class restaurants.
Transporting Saudia’s Boeing 777s Aircraft
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and bolster its tourism sector, Saudia has seized the opportunity to align with the nation’s forward-thinking Vision 2030.
The Boulevard Runway project, a collaboration between Saudia and Riyadh Season, exemplifies this commitment to innovation and sustainability.
By giving these retired Boeing 777s a second life as interactive spaces for entertainment, dining, and retail, Saudia is not only reducing waste but also creating a captivating cultural and leisure experience for visitors.
This initiative underscores the airline’s dedication to environmental stewardship, as repurposing these aircraft significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with disassembling and transporting individual components for recycling or disposal.
Why By Road?
The decision to transport these Boeing 777-200ERs by road was a strategic choice driven by the unique end-use planned for them. The journey from Jeddah to Riyadh, spanning approximately 850 kilometers, was no small feat, requiring meticulous planning and execution.
Moving Preparation
Before embarking on this journey, the aircraft underwent extensive preparation. Their wings, tails, and other non-essential components were carefully removed, leaving only the fuselages – the core structures that would become the centerpieces of the BLVD Runway attraction.
These massive fuselages, each weighing several tons, were then meticulously loaded onto specialized transport vehicles. This process involved intricate maneuvering and precise calculations to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft during transit.
The 3 Boeing 777s
The first aircraft, registered as HZ-AKG, began service in March 1998 and was retired in September 2016. This was the first B777-200ER that Saudi Airlines retired.
The second aircraft, HZ-AKK, entered service in September 1998 and retired in September 2016, making it the second to be decommissioned.
While, the third aircraft, HZ-AKP, started service in March 1999 and was retired in June 2017. This model remains in operation with several airlines worldwide, including United Airlines, which continues to fly a 30-year-old second Boeing B777-200.
Transforming Boeing 777s
As these Boeing 777s settle into their new roles at Boulevard Runway, they will undergo a remarkable transformation, shedding their former identities as airborne vessels and embracing a new purpose as immersive, grounded experiences.
Riyadh Season’s BlVD Runway Zone
As part of the annual Riyadh Season, a vibrant celebration of culture and entertainment, BLVD Runway is set to become a major draw for visitors from across the globe.
The Boulevard Runway zone is a testament to the evolving landscape of experiential tourism, where the novelty of interacting with real aircraft becomes a unique draw for visitors.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the interiors of these retired aircraft, which will be repurposed into interactive spaces for entertainment, dining, and retail.
Visitors will also be able to dine in the very cabins that once carried passengers across continents or explore interactive exhibits that showcase the rich history and technological marvels of aviation.
Celebrating Aviation Heritage
Beyond the immersive experiences, BLVD Runway will also serve as a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s aviation heritage. These Boeing 777s, once the pride of Saudia’s fleet, will stand as living monuments to the airline’s storied past, reminding visitors of the nation’s journey in the skies.
Interpretive displays and interactive exhibits will delve into the rich history of Saudia and the Kingdom’s aviation industry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the technological advancements and the pioneering spirit that have propelled the nation forward.
Saudi’s Sustainable Future Ahead
As the world marvels at the sight of these Boeing 777s taking their final journey on land, Saudia’s audacious move stands as a testament to the airline’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.
By repurposing these retired aircraft into the captivating Boulevard Runway attraction, Saudia has not only preserved a piece of aviation history but has also paved the way for a future where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
More Saudia Group Ventures
Saudia Airlines International Flights Discount
Saudia Airlines is offering a fantastic 50% discount on international flights through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
This discount is available for bookings made from August 18th to 31st, 2024, and applies to flights scheduled between September 1st and November 30th, 2024.
Both Guest and Business Class tickets are eligible for this promotion.
This deal is part of the ‘Your Ticket Your Visa’ program, which allows travelers to stay in the Kingdom for 96 hours to perform Umrah and explore various regions.
Saudia’s eVTOL Air Taxis’ Purchase
Saudia Airlines has placed its largest order yet to purchase up to 100 electric take off and landing jets worth $700 million from German electric air taxi firm Lilium.
The air taxis are expected to be delivered by 2029 to transport pilgrims between Makkah and Jeddah and guests to key sporting and tourist destinations across Saudia Arabia.
Saudia and Flyadeal New Flights to Abha
Saudia and Flyadeal have revealed plans to introduce 8 additional daily flights to Abha from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
Saudia will boost its daily flights to Abha from 14 to 19, while Flyadeal will raise its daily flights from 14 to 17.
This growth supports the Saudi Tourism Authority’s efforts to highlight Abha as a prime destination during the Aseer Season” and the “Saudi Summer.”
Saudia Airlines Largest Aircraft Deal
Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, has made a groundbreaking the largest aircraft deal of 105 Airbus planes in the history of Saudi Arabian aviation.
The acquisition was revealed at the Future Aviation Forum held in Riyadh, comprising of Airbus A320 Neo and A321 Neo aircraft.
These planes will be divided between Saudia and its budget airline, Flyadeal. This strategic move aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to boost annual passenger traffic to 330 million and expand connectivity to 250 destinations worldwide.
Saudia Group’s License to Provide Hajj Services
Saudia Hajj and Umrah is a recently established subsidiary of the Saudia Group, which has received a license from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to serve up to 10,000 pilgrims.
This will enable Saudia to provide comprehensive Hajj packages, including flights, accommodation, and transportation to the Holy Sites within Saudi Arabia.
This highlights the country’s dedication to providing high-quality services to pilgrims worldwide.
Saudia Airlines Flying Taxis
Saudi Airlines plans to revolutionize Hajj travel by introducing Flying Taxis to transport pilgrims between Jeddah‘s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Makkah hotels during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Saudia has committed to purchasing 100 Lilium aircraft, which are electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft manufactured in Germany.
These jets offer a sustainable solution with low carbon emissions and can travel up to 250 km while carrying four to six passengers. The new service aims to cater to affluent guests who desire the most luxurious travel experiences.
Keep Reading: Saudia Announces 50% Discount on International Jeddah and Riyadh Flights
