A6-GGP returns to southern skies
Dubai Air Wing’s immaculate Boeing 747-400 Freighter A6-GGP returned to Brisbane over the weekend, arriving from Melbourne as ‘Dubai 008’. The Aviation Studio was there to cover its arrival at Brisbane Airport on Sunday afternoon.
Dubai Air Wing is the paramilitary airline of the Dubai government. The aircraft in the fleet are primarily used by the Dubai royal family. As of 2019 the fleet consists of 3 x B747-400F, 2 x B747-400, 4 x B737-800, 1 x B737-700 and 2 x Avro RJ85. All passenger aircraft are in VIP configuration.
Where it began
A6-GGP originally started its life with Singapore Airlines Cargo bearing the registration 9V-SFH. It operated with the airline until 2006 until it was leased by Great Wall Airlines of China and wore the registration B-2429. It was subsequently returned to Singapore Airlines Cargo after a few months before once again being leased by Great Wall. In January 2010 it was ferried to Dubai International Airport on delivery to Dubai Air Wing. It was delivered in the basic Great Wall Airlines colour scheme which it retains to this day.
In recent years, this particular aircraft has been a relatively common visitor to Australian skies. The aircraft’s visits tend to be linked with the thoroughbred horse racing season in Australia. The Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is an avid thoroughbred racer. His Royal Highness is reported to buy horses at the annual Magic Millions sales held on the Gold Coast. The Aviation Studio is yet to confirm the exact nature of the visit at the time of publishing.
On Monday 30th September, A6-GGP departed direct to Dubai.
The Aviation Studio always looks forward to 747s visiting our skies, especially in the twilight years of the venerable aircraft’s career.
