Recently, Saudi Arabia made headlines when three Boeing 777 passenger aircraft were spotted being transported on large 26-wheeler trucks through the streets of Jeddah. These massive airplanes, escorted by police and traffic department vehicles, were on their way to Riyadh, covering an impressive distance of 850 km by road. This unique transportation created quite a stir, with videos flooding social media showing locals and tourists alike marveling at the sight.
The planes, previously grounded at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, are set to play a major role in “Riyadh Season 2024”, an event designed to attract tourists from around the world. The event, scheduled from October 2024 to March 2025, is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger **Vision 2030**, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Vision aims to diversify the country’s economy away from oil dependence by focusing on tourism, entertainment, and culture.
Why Were the Planes Transported by Road?
These Boeing 777 aircraft, 26 years old and retired from service after 50,000 flight hours, are part of a unique marketing stunt by the Saudi government. After being grounded for several years, the planes will now serve a new purpose in the **Bollywood Runway Zone** of Riyadh Season. Tourists will experience luxury dining inside these planes and explore aviation-themed attractions.Transporting these massive aircraft by road was a monumental task. The wings and tails were removed, leaving just the fuselage—each weighing about 200 tons. Special cranes lifted the fuselages onto the 26-wheeler trucks, which are actually equipped with 104 tires to support the heavy load. The entire process, including disassembly and reassembly, took about 10 days.
Setting a New World Record :
By transporting not just one, but three Boeing 777s over a distance of 850 kilometers, Saudi Arabia has set a new world record. The previous record was set in Europe in 2004 when a smaller aircraft was transported 643 km from Heathrow Airport to Scotland’s Museum of Flight.This feat isn’t just about setting records—it’s a part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to promote tourism and international attention. With events like Riyadh Season, the Kingdom aims to challenge tourism hubs like Dubai, positioning itself as a new hotspot for global tourists.
The Future of Saudi Tourism :
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is all about transforming the country into a tourism and entertainment hub. In addition to Riyadh Season, the Kingdom is working on various mega projects, such as the **NEOM city project** and the **Red Sea Project**, which will include luxury resorts and eco-friendly tourism ventures. These developments are designed to attract millions of international tourists and reduce the country’s reliance on oil revenues.
Events like the **Dakar Rally** and **Formula E** have already proven successful, and Riyadh Season 2024 is expected to attract even more visitors. The transport of these aircraft serves as both a marketing stunt and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for the future.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming, embracing a future centered around tourism, entertainment, and innovation. The transportation of three Boeing 777s for Riyadh Season 2024 is just one of the bold steps being taken to achieve Vision 2030. As the Kingdom continues to invest in mega projects and international events, it is positioning itself as a key player on the global tourism stage. Will Saudi Arabia’s efforts rival Dubai’s tourism dominance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a major tourist destination has already begun.
Saudi Arabia has undertaken a bold feat by transporting three Boeing 777 aircraft via road for Riyadh Season 2024, showcasing its logistical expertise. This stunt highlights the nation’s commitment to hosting grand events, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforcing its status as a global hub for entertainment and innovation.