JEDDAH, Sept 17 – A captivating spectacle has unfolded across Saudi Arabia as three retired airplanes, once the pride of Saudi Airlines, make their way from Jeddah to Riyadh. Mounted on trailer trucks, these aircraft have sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity, drawing attention and admiration from people across the Kingdom.
The journey, which spans over 850 kilometers, began in the bustling city of Jeddah and has seen the planes travel through Madinah, Qassim, and finally, to their destination in Riyadh. This extraordinary event has been met with significant public interest, with stunning images of the airplanes on the move rapidly circulating on social media.
A Unique Sight on the Road
The images capturing this unusual procession have become a social media sensation. The retired Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which previously served Saudi Airlines between 2016 and 2017, are now traveling on the back of trailer trucks, offering an uncommon view of these majestic machines away from their usual airborne habitat.
As the planes journeyed across the country, they became more than just a transportation story. The sight of these colossal aircraft, often associated with international travel and high-tech aviation, being transported on land has fascinated many. From people savoring gahwa on traditional carpets alongside the road to children saluting the aircraft as they pass, these moments have added a personal and cultural touch to the event.
A Historical Transit
The aircraft, once transporting up to 341 passengers in their three-class cabins, are now embarking on a new chapter of their lives. Under tight security, the planes have been carefully maneuvered across highways and through various towns, making their way to Riyadh for a special purpose.
The General Entertainment Authority is spearheading this project as part of the Boulevard Runway initiative, which aims to repurpose retired aircraft into unique attractions. Five such aircraft will be transformed into interactive shops, restaurants, and entertainment experiences for both adults and children. This project, in collaboration with Saudia Airlines, seeks to offer a novel and engaging way for people to interact with aviation history.
Engaging the Public
To document and celebrate this remarkable journey, Turki Alalshik, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, launched the “Where Are They? … Please Let Me Know” campaign. This initiative encourages the public to capture and share images of the aircraft as they traverse the country. The campaign has generated significant enthusiasm, with many people eagerly participating and sharing their photographs on social media platforms.
In addition to documenting the journey, Alalshik introduced a competition with a luxury car as the prize, awarding the best photograph of the airplanes. This contest has further heightened public interest and engagement, prompting many to venture out to see the planes in person and capture their unique experience.
Public Reaction and Memorable Moments
The overland transport of the aircraft has led to numerous memorable moments. Onlookers have gathered along the route to witness the extraordinary sight of airplanes on trucks, a scenario that is far from ordinary. The sight of these massive machines moving along highways has caused traffic slowdowns and jams as motorists and residents alike stop to take photos and selfies with the planes in the background.
Ahmed Al-Shalaan from Riyadh shared his amazement on X, saying, “We’ve seen large airplanes being transported before, but seeing a truck carrying planes is a completely new experience. It’s not something we usually see on our roads.”
The journey has also created a sense of community and celebration in the towns the planes have passed through. In Umm Al dome, Taif, the arrival of the aircraft was marked by a special breakfast organized for the drivers. Local resident Abdullah Al Omair expressed his pride, stating on X, “It’s a historic day for us here in Umm Al dome. We’re thrilled to see these giant aircraft passing through our town.”
The Human Element
The transporting team, led by Hajjaj Al Zahrani, has spoken about the warm reception they received throughout the journey. In interviews, Al Zahrani noted the generosity and hospitality of residents in the cities they traveled through. “This journey has been nothing short of amazing. The support and kindness from people across every city we’ve passed have made the experience incredibly special,” he said.
The transition of these retired aircraft from their previous roles as international carriers to their new lives as part of the Boulevard Runway project symbolizes a creative reimagining of aviation history. It represents not only a significant logistical achievement but also a unique way to celebrate and preserve the legacy of these remarkable machines.
Looking Forward
As the retired airplanes reach their final destination in Riyadh, they will be prepared for their new roles in the Boulevard Runway project. The transformation of these aircraft into interactive attractions promises to offer visitors a novel way to engage with aviation history and experience a piece of the Kingdom’s evolving entertainment landscape.
This journey has captured the imagination of the public and highlighted the intersection of culture, technology, and community in Saudi Arabia. The spectacle of seeing retired airplanes on the road has created lasting memories and showcased the Kingdom’s innovative spirit and commitment to creating unique and memorable experiences for its people.
The road trip of the retired airplanes from Jeddah to Riyadh has been a captivating event, drawing public fascination and showcasing the creative repurposing of aviation history. As the aircraft prepare for their new roles, the journey remains a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dynamic and evolving cultural landscape.