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Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — After a long journey through Saudi roads, crossing around 1000 km, the three retired Saudi Airlines planes arrived in the Riyadh Season 2024 Boulevard Runway zone from Jeddah. Lucid electric vehicles accompanied the planes during the moment when they entered the capital city until they settled down at the Boulevard Runway zone.
The Boeing 777 aircraft are set to provide immersive and mesmerizing grounded experiences to visitors at the 5th edition of the Riyadh Season, which will kick off on Oct. 12. The epic journey of the aircraft, aged over 25 years, from Jeddah to Riyadh on big trucks has captivated people’s attention and astonishment throughout its way. The transportation of the aircraft was carried out as per a meticulous plan worked out under the supervision of the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al-Sheikh.
People from across the Kingdom have been sharing the aircraft journey through the roads passing deserts and mountains on social media, featuring posts from Saudis donning the traditional attires and waving the national flag as they posed with the planes, families gathered to witness the aircraft and children dressed in green shirts and caps waving little planes in their hands.
In a post on his X platform, Turki Al-Sheikh had announced a competition for Saudi nationals for the best photo of the aircraft on their way to Riyadh, promising a luxury cars as a prize. Al-Sheikh has been reposting several photos on social media highlighting the enthusiasm among people as the plane challenge continues to gain momentum.
By giving these retired Boeing 777s a second life as interactive spaces for entertainment, dining, and retail, Saudia is not only reducing waste but also creating a captivating cultural and leisure experience for visitors. The BLVD Runway zone will provide visitors with unique aircraft-themed entertainment experiences, including five world-class restaurants.
Before embarking on this journey, the aircraft underwent extensive preparation. Their wings, tails, and other non-essential components were carefully removed, leaving only the fuselages – the core structures that would become the centerpieces of the BLVD Runway attraction. These massive fuselages, each weighing several tons, were then meticulously loaded onto specialized transport vehicles. As these Boeing 777s settle into their new roles at Boulevard Runway, they will undergo a remarkable transformation, shedding their former identities as airborne vessels and embracing a new purpose as immersive, grounded experiences.
Turki Al-Sheikh revealed recently that the Boulevard Runway zone was arranged within the framework of a collaboration between the GEA and Saudi Airlines. The zone will begin receiving its visitors from 4 pm to 3 am, starting from October 28 and it will provide a unique experience for visitors, enabling them to explore 3 Boeing 777 aircraft, with the presence of a real runway, to enjoy entertainment, shopping, and dining in a distinctive atmosphere inside the aircraft.
The three planes will be equipped in an innovative way, providing a variety of foods offered by specialized international restaurants. Many other events will also be organized in the area, including the experiences announced by Al-Sheikh, such as “Flight 1661”, “Sky Siege”, and the “Fun Zone” area, which will contain 10 diverse experiences in the world of aviation for families and friends. As part of the annual Riyadh Season, a vibrant celebration of culture and entertainment, BLVD Runway is set to become a major draw for visitors from across the globe. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the interiors of these retired aircraft, which will be repurposed into interactive spaces for entertainment, dining, and retail.
Visitors will also be able to dine in the very cabins that once carried passengers across continents or explore interactive exhibits that showcase the rich history and technological marvels of aviation. Beyond the immersive experiences, BLVD Runway will also serve as a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s aviation heritage. These Boeing 777s, once the pride of Saudia’s fleet, will stand as living monuments to the airline’s storied past, reminding visitors of the nation’s journey in the skies.
