One of the last flying classic Boeing 747SPs has been retired and sent for part out.
The Las Vegas Sands Corp Boeing 747SP VP-BLK has been a common sight at the Nevada airport, and around the world, for the past 17 years, but time has now been called on the ageing airframe.
On 1st May the aircraft was flown to Kansas City where it will be parted out and presumably scrapped.
A History of VP-BLK
Built in 1980, this aircraft (with construction number 21961/415) was originally delivered to Trans World Airlines as N58201.
It flew with the airline until 1985 when it was sold to the UAE Government as A6-SMR and given a VIP interior.
In 2007 the aircraft was purchased by Interface Operations, which later became Las Vegas Sands Corp. The aircraft continued to fly VIP passengers to and from the casinos and resorts of Las Vegas and Macau, who no doubt enjoyed this classic Jumbo to the full.
Today, however, Las Vegas Sands Corp has a fleet of more modern Boeing 737 BBJ, 767-300ER, Airbus A319 CJ, A340-500 and Gulfstream private jets.
Main photo (c) Tomás Del Coro
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