Aircraft
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
The first of two Boeing 777s for Japanese governmental transport duties is seen after its delivery flight from Basel to Chitose AB. (photo: JASDF)
The first of two Boeing 777s for Japanese governmental transport duties is seen after its delivery flight from Basel to Chitose AB. (photo: JASDF)

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.