1
Aerolineas Argentinas 747 SP #1
This beautiful Aerolineas Argentinas SP was originally delivered to Braniff in 1980, but was sold to Aerolineas later in the year. It operated for 10 years, before sale to Air Mauritius. In 1996 it was sold to Qatar, and in 2000 to the Yemen government. Destroyed on the ground at Aden in March 2015.
Card is a Michel Moskal issue.
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2
Air China 747 SP #1
Air China inherited 4 747SPs from CAAC in 1988, and operated them until 1999. Shown on this Air China issue is B 2444, delivered new to CAAC in June of 1980.
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3
Air China 747 SP #2
In my view, a better card is this nice Air China issue, featuring B 2442, which was the first SP delivered to CAAC in February of 1980. It, like the previous card left the fleet in 1999, and was acquired by UT Finance Corp. Apparently for parts.
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4
Air Mauritius 747 SP #1
This is a very nice Air Mauritius issue showing a 747SP in flight. The SPs served Air Mauritius' long range flights from 1984 to 1995.
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5
Air Mauritius 747 SP #3
This Air Mauritius issue features 3B NAG, their first ex South African SP, delivered in October 1984. It operated for 11 years, and was returned to South African in 1995.
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6
Air Mauritius 747 SP #2
An oversized Air Mauritius issue of 3B NAG. After its service with Air Mauritius, it was leased to Air Namibia, and returned to South African in 1999. Its last revenue flight was for South African in October of 2003, having operated 82,313 hrs. Now on display at the South African Airlines Museum.
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7
Namib Air 747 SP
V5 SPF, shown on this Namib Air issue, was acquired from South African in 1990 to provide flights to Europe from Windhoek. In 1991 the airline was renamed Air Namibia, and SPs were operating non stop flights to Frankfurt, and later, London.
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8
Air Namibia 747 SP #2
The SP operated for Air Namibia for 9 years, until replaced by the 747-400 combi in October 1999. The SP did operate in the newer Air Namibia colors, but there are no postcard views.
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9
Air Namibia 747 SP #1
Air Namibia was a generous issuer of 747 SP postcards. This nice takeoff view was the first SP card I received from Air Namibia. V5 SPF operated from 1990 to 1998. Three other SPs were acquired on short term leases from South African.
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10
Air Namibia 747 SP #3
The last Air Namibia issue of the SP also features V5 SPF. The aircraft was returned to South African, and subsequently leased to LAM of Mozambique. It was written off at Maputo in 1990 due to an uncontained engine failure and fire.
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11
Alliance 747 SP #2
Alliance was set up as a Multi National airline serving Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa. Based at Entebbe, it launched services in July 1995 to London using a single 747 SP, leased from South African.
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12
Alliance 747 SP #1
Alliance services were operated by South African's ZS SPA, which had previously been leased to Luxair and Air Mauritius. The aircraft was returned to South African upon the shutdown of Alliance in 2000. These very nice Alliance 747 postcards were issued by the airline.
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13
American 747 SP #1
American acquired 2 ex TWA 747SPs specifically to serve their Dallas -Tokyo Non Stop flights. N601AA and 602AA operated from 1985-1993.
Card is an American Airlines issue.
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14
American 747 SP #2
Another American Airlines issue showing an SP on the ramp. N602AA was sold to the Dubai Air Wing in 1994, and has been flying for Ernest Angley Ministries since 2004.
N601AA was parted out and broken up at Luxembourg after brief service with Air Kazakstan , and Air Atlanta Icelandic.
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15
Braniff 747 SP #2
A splendid card from an exciting time, this is a Braniff issue showing their first 747SP, N603BN. At the time, Braniff's growth was explosive, and ambitions were global.
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16
Braniff 747 SP #1
One of the more familiar 747SPs, N603BN was originally intended for proposed NonStop flights to Dubai. It was actually placed in service on Pacific routes from LAX.
Card is from Aviation Color Photo
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Braniff 747 SP #3
Aviation Color Photo also issued this nice view.
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18
Braniff 747 SP #4 KCF
Frontier Productions issued this excellent card of 603BN, kindly shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
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19
Braniff 747 SP #5 KCF
As Braniff's collapse was imminent, 747s were offered for sale. This rare card, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu is a solicitation for offers on 603BN.
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20
Braniff 747 SP #5a KCF
The back side of the previous card shows interior views of this splendid aircraft. N603 BN ultimately went to Boeing to be modified for service with Royal Flight of Oman, where it is operating today.
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21
C A A C 747 SP #1
CAAC added the 747SP to its fleet in 1980. This very nice postcard view, is a CAAC issue.
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22
C A A C 747 SP #2
This CAAC issue shows B 2442, their 1st SP, superimposed on a view of the Great wall. The airliner continued to serve with Air China and is shown on the Air China card above.
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C A A C 747 SP #4 KCF
A better view of B 2442 in flight is this Blue Skies Postcards issue, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
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24
C A A C 747 SP #3
A little less common CAAC issue shows B 2444, also shown above in Air China colors.
It was the second of 4 747SPs delivered to CAAC in 1980, and served until 1999.
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25
C A A C 747 SP #5 KCF
This rare C A A C issue, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu, shows the interior of their new 747 SP aircraft. The introduction of Boeing aircraft made an enormous improvement in cabin comfort on CAAC flights.
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26
China 747 SP #1
China Airlines received their 1st 747SP in April of 1977, implementing their first non stop Trans Pacific crossings.
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27
China 747 SP #2
A number of very nice China Airlines issues were published, showing B 1862 in flight. This was the 2nd one I received.
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28
China 747 SP #3
One of my favorite China issues is this excellent view of B 1862 inflight. The aircraft operated for China for 16 years before a lease to Mandarin. In 1999 it went to Air Gulf Falcon of Swaziland, and finally in 2003 it was acquired by Kinshasha Airways. WFU in 2007
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China 747 SP #4 KCF
One additional China Airlines issue is this oversized holiday greeting card, rather hard to find. Three additional SPs were delivered to China, and all found their way to Mandarin during the mid 1990s.
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China 747 SP #5 KCF
This rare postcard view of a China 747 SP was published by "One Week in Taipei" a tourism promotion. It would be my favorite SP card if I actually had it! Card kindly shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
"With Many thanks to Mario Da..."
View Comments...
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31
China 747 SP #6 KCF
One final excellent view of B1862 is seen on this more recent WGA issue, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu. China's last SP operations were in 1997, 20 years after the first delivery
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32
Corsair 747 SP
Corsair added this SP to its Boeing 747 fleet in October 1994. Previously operated by South African and Royal Air Maroc.
Originally registered as LX-ACO, (a leasing company?) it became F GTOM, operating until WFU in September 2002. Total hours 78,148, 14,983 cycles.
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33
Iran Air 747 SP #1
An absolutely stunning Iran Air issue of a 747SP in flight. Iran Air, along with Pan Am was a launch customer for the SP, and operated the airliner for 41 years, through 2018. Their first SP was received in February 1986, and preceded Pan Am's N533PA as the first SP in service.
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34
Iran Air 747 SP #2
Another splendid image of an Iran Air SP, on a Chas. Skilton issue. This image was also issued by Airline Publications and sales. The SP served Iran Air very well, as the final Iran Air SP flight was by EP IAC, on May 22, of 2018.
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Iran Air 747 SP #3
This much later Iran Air issue shows EP IAD landing. IAD was delivered on July 1979, and WFU in 2013
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Iran Air 747 SP #4
A nicer view of EP IAD, on another Iran Air Issue
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Iran Air 747 SP #5
One additional Iran Air issue, Featuring EP IAB, the 2nd SP delivered to Iran Air. Delivered in 1976 it was retired in 2015.
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38
Korean 747 SP #2
One of my favorite SP cards is this splendid Korean Air issue of HL 7456, delivered to Korean in January 1981. It and HL 7457 were acquired to provide Korean Air Trans Pacific non stop flights.
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Korean 747 SP #3
The SPs served with Korean until 1998. This Buchair issue from 1990 shows HL 7456 in the later Korean Air colors. The airliner went back to Boeing in 1998 to be converted to a flying hospital, but the project apparently never materialized. It was parted out in 2005 by Mountain Aircraft Services.
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40
Luxair 747 SP
An excellent postcard view of LX LGX, leased from South African. It was acquired in 1997 primarily for Luxembourg - Nairobi- Johannesburg services, but also served some European segments. Later operated as Trek Airways, then returned to South African in April 1994. Stored at Marana in 1999.
Card is a US Publications issue.
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41
Mandarin 747 SP
This is an outstanding Mandarin Airlines issue of their 1st 747SP, N4508 H, received from China in October of 1991. It operated until stored at Marana in March 1997. The Mandarin SPs launched services to Sydney and Vancouver from Taipei. But by 1999 international operations were reassumed by China.
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42
Pan Am 747 SP #1
As the Stratocruiser was once an emblem of Pan American, the 747SP seemed to assume that role in later years. Pan Am placed the order that launched the SP program, and Pan AM once again expanded aviation frontiers with the new long range jet.
Card is an IAWP historical issue.
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43
Pan Am 747 SP #2
Many publicity photos were taken of the SP and a good number appeared on postcards. At least 8 were Pan am issues, including this one.
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44
Pan Am 747 SP #3
This splendid image shows N347SP, which became N532PA after delivery on March 29, 1976. It was also used on Skilton & Fry issues as well as Frontier Productions.
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45
Pan Am 747 SP #13 KCF
N532PA, The Clipper Constitution served with Pan Am, and subsequently United until 1995.
This Skilton and Fry issue kindly shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
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46
Pan Am 747 SP #6
A very nice in flight view of N347SP on a J Arthur Dixon issue.
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Pan Am 747 SP #7
This somewhat later Pan Am issue still features N347SP, shown before its turnover to Pan Am.
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Pan Am 747 SP #8
Another great view of the Clipper Constitution, on a Japanese Pan Am issue.
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49
Pan Am 747 SP #15 KCF
This excellent Nippon Beauty Color issue uses the previous image with nice interior views of the SP.
This card by courtesy of Kuo-Ching Fu
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50
Pan Am 747 SP #9
Movifoto also issued a card of 347SP, complete with Pan Am logos.
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51
Pan Am 747 SP #14 KCF
One additional Frontier productions issue of N347SP, also shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
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52
Pan Am 747 SP #10 KCF
In 1984, Pan Am Cargo issued this excellent take off view of N538PA, the Clipper Fleetwing. It was delivered to Pan Am in July of 1978. With the sale to United in 1986, it became "Friendship One" serving United on the Pacific.
This card also shared by Kuo-Ching Fu
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53
Pan Am 747 SP #4
The SP looked great in the later Pan Am colors. Shown on this Michel Moskal issue is the Clipper Young America, N533PA. The Flight 50 emblem barely visible above the name refers to Pan Am's 50th Anniversary.
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54
Qantas 747 SP #1
An excellent Tiki Card issue, showing Qantas' first 747SP, VH EAA, delivered in January of 1981. It operated the first Qantas non stop flight from Sydney to Los Angeles on April 7th 1984.
From March of 1994 to June of 1996, it operated for the short lived Australia Asia subsidiary. Returned to Qantas service, it flew its final Revenue flight from Singapore to Sydney on Feb. 23, 2002.
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55
Qantas 747 SP #2TH
This outstanding Aironautica issue shows VH EAB, the "City of Winton" at take off. It, like EAA, was delivered in 1991 and used in the Australia Asia operation from 1994-1996. It returned to Qantas service and operated until Nov 24th 2001.
Note the Rolls Royce engines on the Qantas SPs
Card by courtesy of Terry Hale.
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56
Qantas 747 SP #3 KCF
A final in flight view of VH EAA on a WGA issue. There were only two SPs delivered to Qantas, and both were broken up at Marana. They served for a little over 20 years. EAA was retired with 75,238 hours and 14,011 cycles.
This card by courtesy of Kuo-Ching Fu
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57
Royal Air Maroc 747 SP
Royal Air Maroc added a single 747SP to its fleet in March of 1985. CN RMS was delivered new to South African in September 1976. It served Royal Air Maroc for a little over 9 years before sale to Corsair in October 1994. This aircraft is also shown on the Corsair card above.
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58
Saudia 747 SP
Saudia took delivery of two Rolls Royce powered 747 SP68s in 1981 and 82 to operate non stop flights from New York to Saudi Arabia. The first of these HB AIF, shown on this Aviation World issue, was delivered in June of 1981, and operated over 20 years for Saudia (later Saudi Arabian Airlines) until it was added to the Royal Flight fleet.
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59
South African 747 SP #3
Perhaps aside from Pan American, South African was the most significant operator of the SP. The SP was introduced in 1976, and operated through October 25, 2003.
This card is a Photoglob issue from the late 1970s.
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60
South African 747 SP #6
The first SP delivered to South African was ZS SPA, shown on this excellent card from the South African Publicity Dept. It is shown in flight over Johannesburg.
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61
South African 747 SP #7
My favorite South African SP is this beautiful South African issue of SPA in flight. During its career it served Luxair, Air Mauritius and Alliance as well as operating South African flights to the US, Europe, and Australia.
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South African 747 SP #10 KCF
A very similar, but not identical view of SPA appears on this logoed Movifoto issue, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu.
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63
South African 747 SP #9 KCF
An outstanding postcard view of ZS SPB, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu. SPB, the 2nd SP delivered to South African served 9 years before being painted as an Air Malawi aircraft for a visit to London by the country's president. After a month in London it was repainted and returned to South African service. It later served with Luxair, Trek and Air Namibia.
Card issued by the South African Travel Bureau.
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64
South African 747 SP #4
This later South African issue features ZS SPA in its second livery. The SPs flew in the present South African colors, but I've seen no postcards as of now.
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South African 747 SP #5
Another South African Airlines Issue, featuring ZS SPA
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South African 747 SP #8
One last in flight view of ZS SPA, published by South African Publicity Dept.
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67
Syrianair 747 SP #1
A beautiful Syrianair issue featuring their first of 2 747-SP-94s.YK AHA was delivered in May of 1976 to operate Trans Atlantic flights that never materialized.
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Syrianair 747 SP #3
This very nice Editions PI issue shows YK AHB, delivered 3 months later.
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Syrianair 747 SP #2
This is a 2nd SyrianAir issue, showing YK AHA on the ramp. The SPs operated on major routes to Munich, Paris, London, Karachi and Delhi.
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SyrianAir 747SP #5 KCF
This rare SyrianAir holiday card, shared by Kuo-Ching Fu, also features YK AHA in flight. It served SyrianAir for 21 years.
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Syrianair 747 SP #4
This final postcard view is one of my favorite Movifoto issues, using the previous SyrianAir view, cropped and enlarged. The two SPs were WFU by 2008, and stored at Riyadh.
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72
TWA 747 SP #1
TWA, in anticipation of new Asian route authority ordered 3 747SPs for delivery in 1980. The routes did not materialize, so they primarily operated on longer Trans Atlantic stages, until they coul be sold .
Card is one of 3 Aviation World issues.
This image was later used on a Frontier Productions issue.
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73
TWA 747 SP #2
My favorite of the 3 Aviation World issues is this nice in flight view of N58201, delivered in March of 1980. It was sold to the Dubai Air Wing in 1985, where it operated until June of 2007, when acquired by Las Vegas Sands hotels for VIP operations. Still active.
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74
TWA 747 SP #3
One more Aviation World view of N58201, in flight. By the end of 1986, the SPs were gone from TWA's fleet, the last 2 having been sold to American.
This image was also seen on a later issue by Frontier Productions.
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75
United 747 SP #2
The Pan American 747SP fleet went to United with the transfer of their Pacific Routes. This Aviation Center issue shows one of the United SPs leaving Hong Kong.
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United 747 SP #1
United operated some SPs until 1995. This excellent FliteLine issue provides a great view of N143UA at take off. Originally the Clipper New Horizons, delivered to Pan Am in 1976, it was WFU in 1995 and broken up in 1996
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