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The Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) was a shortened version of the 747-100, designed to fly longer distances and higher altitudes than its predecessor. It had a fuselage length of 184 feet (56 meters), compared to 231 feet (70 meters) for the 747-100, and a maximum takeoff weight of 670,000 pounds (304,000 kilograms), compared to 735,000 pounds (333,000 kilograms) for the 747-100. It also had a larger tail fin and a modified wing design with simplified flaps and spoilers.
The 747SP was first flown in 1975 and entered service in 1976 with Pan Am and Iran Air. Only 45 units were produced until 1989, as the demand for ultra-long-range flights was limited and the advent of more efficient twin-engine aircrafts such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A310 reduced its appeal. The 747SP was mainly used by airlines from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as by VIP customers such as governments and celebrities.
Air New Zealand acquired its only 747SP in 1981, as part of a deal with Boeing to exchange four older 747-200s for two new 747-200Bs and one 747SP. The airline intended to use the 747SP for non-stop flights from Auckland to Los Angeles, which was beyond the range of its existing fleet. The aircraft was registered as ZK-NZZ and named "City of Christchurch".
However, the 747SP proved to be too costly to operate for Air New Zealand, as it had a higher fuel consumption and maintenance cost than the standard 747-200. The airline also faced competition from Qantas and United Airlines, which offered more frequent flights to Los Angeles with stopovers in Honolulu or Fiji. As a result, Air New Zealand decided to retire its 747SP in 1986, after only five years of service. The aircraft was sold to Luxair, a charter company based in Luxembourg, and later to other operators such as Tajik Air and Las Vegas Sands.
The FS2004 Boeing 747SP Air New Zealand ZK-NZZ add-on is a faithful recreation of this historic aircraft, with accurate details such as the distinctive "Pacific Wave" livery, the four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A engines, and the cockpit layout. The add-on also features realistic flight dynamics, sound effects and animations. You can download it for free from various flight simulation websites and enjoy flying this rare bird in FS2004.
