747SP numbers vs operators
Hi all.
Just some idle musing...
If I'm reading Wikipedia correctly, its SP operator numbers seem a tiny bit muddled -- it lists 45 former operators, but one of those is also listed as being one of two current operators. And while it mentions the NASA/DLR Sofia observatory, it's not included in the list of former operators.
Putting all that together there seem to have been 47 former and current operators, yet only 45 SPs were built. Obviously, some of those airframes went through multiple owners/lessees.
Wikipedia also says that 17 airframes are currently "stored or otherwise preserved". That's 38% of the 45 built. Somewhat amazing.
Anyway, I just thought it interesting that such a low-number aircraft has had so many operators. Are there any other similar examples?
Last edited by AnotherFSO; 11th Apr 2024 at 04:20.