IATA 74LICAO B74S

Boeing 747SP

Boeing

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Ultra-long-range 747 variant with a shortened fuselage.

First flight

1975

Category

Wide-body jet

Seating

233–440 passengers (typically ~280 in mixed class)

Range

10,800 km

Engines

Four turbofan engines (JT9D or CF6 variants, depending on operator)

Status

In service (limited, mainly special missions and VIP)

The Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) is a shortened, long-range variant of the iconic 747 wide-body jet. Developed in response to airline demand for a 747 capable of flying ultra-long nonstop routes, Boeing reduced the fuselage by 14.35 meters compared to the standard 747-100/200, saving weight and enabling exceptional range. The 747SP entered service in 1976 with Pan American World Airways and South African Airways. Its reduced passenger capacity was offset by its ability to operate routes previously impractical for other aircraft, including transpacific and transpolar services. Only 45 aircraft were built, making it one of the rarest 747 variants. While most commercial operators have retired the type, a small number continue to fly in government, VIP, and special-mission roles. NASA operated a modified 747SP as the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

Notable operators

Major operators included Pan American World Airways, South African Airways, Iran Air, and Syrian Arab Airlines; NASA operated one as the SOFIA airborne observatory.

Notable facts

›Only 45 Boeing 747SPs were built, making it the rarest 747 variant.
›The fuselage was shortened by 14.35 meters compared to the standard 747-100/200.
›Pan American World Airways and South African Airways were the launch customers in 1976.
›NASA's SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) was based on a modified 747SP.
›The 747SP held several world speed and distance records when it entered service.

Read more on Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Specifications may be inaccurate or vary by variant/operator — verify with the manufacturer before relying on them.

Encyclopaedia

The Boeing 747SP is a shortened version of the Boeing 747 wide-body airliner, designed for a longer range. It is the highest flying subsonic passenger airliner, with a service ceiling of 45,100 feet (13,700 m). Boeing needed a smaller aircraft to compete with the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 TriStar tri-jet wide-bodies, introduced in 1971/1972. Pan Am requested a 747-100 derivative to fly between New York and the Middle East, a request also shared by Iran Air, and the first order came from Pan Am in 1973.

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