October 13th marks the 20th anniversary of the Boeing Dreamlifter’s announcement. Back in 2003, Boeing revealed the concept for the unique freighter, designed to transport parts of the manufacturer’s upcoming flagship aircraft – the 787 Dreamliner.


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To speed up the assembly process, Boeing was keen to transport aircraft parts by air rather than by land or sea. However, the 787’s components were too large for existing cargo aircraft, such as the 747-400F, which led to the creation of the Dreamlifter.

A Boeing Dreamlifter just after take off.

Photo: cpaulfell | Shuttertsock

The Dreamlifter is a converted 747-400 modified to achieve a total cargo volume of 65,000 cubic feet. The aircraft completed its first test flight in September 2006, and by June 2008, three Dreamlifters were operational, with a fourth entering into service in February 2010.

Today, the four Dreamlifters are registered as N747BC, N780BA, N718BA, and N249BA and are operated by Atlas Air. Although these freighters usually carry aircraft parts, they took on a different use during the pandemic, transporting medical supplies. For example, in July 2020, a Dreamlifter arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with 500,000 face masks for use in local schools.


Tracking the Boeing Dreamlifter

Like other aircraft, the whereabouts of Boeing’s four Dreamlifters can be tracked on FlightRadar24.com by typing the aircraft registration number into the website’s search bar. This will then bring up the specific aircraft’s flying activity for the past seven days, although those with a Silver, Gold, or Business membership can see further back.

A Boeing Dreamlifter just after take off.

Photo: Theonanta Pardede | Shutterstock

So, where have the four Dreamlifters been flying recently?

N747BC and N249BA

According to data from ch-aviation.com, N747BC began life as a passenger 747-400 with Air China in March 1992. The aircraft flew from Taranto (TAR) to Charleston (CHS) on September 29th, where it spent five days on the ground before returning to Taranto on October 4th.

FlightRadar24.com does not have any flight data for N249BA over the past seven days, suggesting that the aircraft has not flown in that time.

N780BA and N718BA

In its past life as a 747-400, N780BA joined China Airlines’ fleet in 1990. More recently, as a Dreamlifter, the aircraft has been operating to and from Japan, flying between Nagoya (NGO) and Charleston via Anchorage (ANC), Wichita (IAB), and Everett (PAE).

The leg from Everett to Nagoya on October 2nd took just under 11 hours, making it the longest flight operated by any Dreamlifter this week. N718BA has also been flying between Nagoya and Charleston on a shorter route via Anchorage.

A Boeing Dreamlifter just after taking off.

Photo: Ian Dewer Photography | Shutterstock

The high number of Dreamlifter flights in and out of Charleston International Airport is to be expected – Boeing’s facility at the airport is the final assembly and delivery point for 787s. The airport also sees commercial domestic services from most major US carriers and will welcome its only international airline in March 2024, when Air Canada Express begins flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Have you seen a Boeing Dreamlifter in flight or tracked one on FlightRadar24.com? Share your experiences by commenting below.

Sources: FlightRadar24.com, ch-aviation.com

  • 787-8 Dreamliner

    Boeing

    Stock Code:
    BA

    Business Type:
    Planemaker

    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15

    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun

    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA

    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

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