After an elaborate process of conditioning and repainting, the former presidential aircraft of Mexico, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has been handed over to its new operator, the Tajikistan government. The plane, previously registered as TP-01, is poised to undertake a 15-hour journey to its new base at Dushanbe Airport.
Flight OMD195, piloted by Nomadic Aviation, closes a circle that began with the plane’s departure from Mexico and concludes with the delivery at its final destination.
This company offered the public a sneak peek into the flight preparations through images captured by Bob Allen, a partner at Nomadic.
We’re getting closer….OMD195 @Nomadic_OMD pic.twitter.com/EChUs1DBGd
— Bob Allen (@OMD_SkyDog) May 13, 2023
Allen further shared images on his Twitter handle, showcasing the aircraft donned in its protective cover post-painting.
Getting ready to unwrap and see what’s inside. They said it will be ready to fly in an hour. ???? pic.twitter.com/apAVs5o7lL
— Bob Allen (@OMD_SkyDog) May 13, 2023
Ready for Takeoff
Before the plane’s departure, Allen posted more images of the fueled and ready-to-fly aircraft.
OMD195…fueled and ready to push! pic.twitter.com/OWsORng5cI
— Bob Allen (@OMD_SkyDog) May 14, 2023
The aircraft, now registered as EY-001, was purchased by the Tajik government for $92 million dollars, according to an announcement made by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on April 21.
The ongoing delivery flight can be tracked by FlightRadar 24, via this link.
Selling the Drama
Before this successful transaction, the Mexican government had made several failed attempts to sell the aircraft. For Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, Argentina was one potential buyer, but the South American country quickly discarded the idea.
No, gracias: Argentina rejects Mexico’s presidential Boeing 787 offer
The plane was even offered as the first prize in a public raffle. However, the government ultimately reneged on delivering the plane to the raffle winner, citing the award as «symbolic» and offering a cash prize instead.
