Asia Correspondent

Chen Chuanren

The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER, which will be used for VIP transport. The aircraft arrived at the home base of the Special Airlift Group, 701st Squadron, at Chitose on August 17, and on August 20 received its JASDF registration, 80-1111. The aircraft retained U.S. civilian registration N509BJ for its delivery from Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland, where the interior outfitting was completed.

 


Following modification for government transport duties, the 777 now has fewer windows along the forward fuselage than a typical airliner, likely indicating the location of the secretary cabin, meeting rooms, and administrative office. Other visible fittings include satellite communications domes on the top fuselage.

 


Sometimes known as “Japan Air Force One,” the aircraft is one of a pair of 777s that were acquired in August 2014 to replace two 747-400s. The JASDF has contracted All Nippon Airways as the maintenance service provider. The 747s have been in service since 1991 and served 14 prime ministers. They often fly as a pair on official duties, with the second aircraft acting as a spare and to carry maintenance and support staff.

 


The JASDF's 777 is not expected to enter service until the new Japanese fiscal year, which begins on April 1, 2019. It expects to receive its second VIP 777 in December.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Japan Receives New 'Air Force One'

Japan's Boeing 747s have flown the country's prime ministers around the world for 27 years. Now they are being replaced by Boeing 777s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Certainty benefits the preowned business aircraft market

AINsight: Election Results and the Fence

Kerry Lynch

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 8000 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Aircraft