★ FAMOUSGiant freighters

Boeing Dreamlifter

The swollen 747 that carries 787 fuselages — only four exist

Tail numbers N718BA · N780BA

Boeing 747-400, the type Boeing Dreamlifter is built on
Type photo · Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Boeing Dreamlifter N718BA

One of four bulging 747s built to ferry 787 Dreamliner sections between factories on three continents. The entire tail swings open sideways to load fuselage barrels, and the cargo volume is triple a normal 747 freighter's. Grace was not a design requirement.

Fun fact

In 2013 a Dreamlifter landed at the wrong Wichita airport — then took off again from a runway 3,000 feet shorter than it normally needs.

Boeing Dreamlifter N780BA

Another of the four Dreamlifters shuttling 787 wings and fuselage sections from Japan and Italy to the assembly lines in South Carolina and Everett. Catch one on the Charleston or Paine Field runs — there is no mistaking that silhouette for anything else in the sky.

Fun fact

The Dreamlifter's swing-tail is the largest cargo door in aviation — the whole rear fuselage pivots 110 degrees.

Quick answers

What are the tail numbers of Boeing Dreamlifter?

N718BA (Boeing 747-400 LCF), N780BA (Boeing 747-400 LCF).

What kind of aircraft is Boeing Dreamlifter?

Boeing 747-400 LCF.

Are they still flying?

2 of 2 are active.

The type

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