Summary The Boeing 747SP was developed for Pan Am's longest route, competing against other aircraft like the DC-10 and L-1011. Only three Boeing 747SP aircraft are still in service, with two operated by Pratt & Whitney and one by Sands Aviation. Sands Aviation's Boeing 747SP features a luxurious VIP configuration with just 50 seats.
The Boeing 747 has a long history, with several different variants developed. The 747SP is a shorter derivative of the Boeing 747-100. It first took to the skies on July 4th, 1975, and Boeing delivered 45 examples of the aircraft.
In 2024, only three Boeing 747SP aircraft are still in the air - with none of them operating commercially. The Boeing 747SP The Boeing 747SP (meaning 'Special Performance') was developed by Boeing shortly after the original 747-100 (pictured below with Pan Am). While Boeing had captured the upper end of the widebody market, Douglas and Lockheed were both focused on the smaller end with the Douglas DC-10 and the Lockheed Tristar L-1011 .
Boeing needed something to compete in this market. The company explored the concept of creating a Boeing 747 trijet , but that idea was discarded as it would have required a total redesign of the wing. A shortened version of the existing 747-200 airframe was instead chosen.
Although not a big commercial success, over the years the Boeing 747SP has won the hearts and minds of travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The new 747SP was specifically requested by Boeing customer Pan Americ.