Business

For $28 million, a onetime Japanese government plane could be yours

JIJI

One of the two Japanese government planes that were decommissioned in March has been put up for sale on an online market for used aircraft at $28 million (¥2.98 billion).

Images on the Controller website show the Boeing 747-400 and the aircraft’s bedroom and conference room, as well as a message from the seller, CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing of the United States, claiming that the plane “has been maintained to the highest possible standard” and looks “factory new.”

The aircraft leasing company also said that the plane is good for VIPs and one of the Boeing 747-400s with the lowest number of flying hours in the world.

The aircraft, along with its backup, went into use in 1993 as Japan’s first official government plane.

It flew across the globe, carrying dignitaries such as former Emperor Akihito, who now holds the title of emperor emeritus, and Japanese leaders.

After being withdrawn from service, the two planes were sold to a recycling company in the city of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, in May for a total of ¥1.3 billion via auction.

According to a Defense Ministry official, the current whereabouts of the planes since that sale is unknown.

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