Weighing around 400 tons, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s private aircraft temporarily closed a runway, required greater separation between landings, and affected the movement of other planes during the Spanish summer in Mallorca
The Boeing 747-8 used as a private jet by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, required special procedures when landing at Palma de Mallorca airport. Weighing around 400 tons, the aircraft led to the temporary closure of a runway for inspection, reduced the terminal’s operational capacity, and delayed other flights.
The jet required runway inspection after landing
The incident occurred at the beginning of last summer at Son Sant Joan airport, near Palma de Mallorca.
The Spanish air traffic controllers association reported on X that an inspection was carried out after landing.
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The procedure was to check if the aircraft had left debris or caused any damage to the asphalt. The check is part of the protocol applied to aircraft of this size and weight.
During the inspection, the runway used remained closed for several minutes. As the airport has two runways, controllers had to concentrate operations on the other while the Boeing 747-8 proceeded to the parking position.
The nearby taxiways also had to remain clear to allow the safe movement of the aircraft.
The measure temporarily reduced the space available for other planes during a period of intense tourist movement.
Commercial dimensions in a private use aircraft
The Boeing 747-8 is the largest version produced of the traditional Jumbo. According to Boeing data, it has a wingspan of 68.4 meters and over 76 meters in length.
In its commercial configuration, the model can carry up to 531 passengers. The aircraft linked to the Emir of Qatar, however, is used privately to transport Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his entourage.
The plane is estimated at about 360 million euros, approximately R$ 2 billion according to the base material.
Its interior features lounges, offices, rest areas, fine woods, and gold finishes.
Weight and turbulence of the jet cause a domino effect on flights
AENA’s documentation classifies the Boeing 747-8 in the “Heavy” category, intended for aircraft over 136 tons. This classification requires greater separation between the plane and the one that will land next.
The additional distance is necessary because of the turbulence generated by the wings. In practice, the arrival of the aircraft can delay subsequent landings and create a domino effect on other flights.
Some aircraft need to wait on the ground or remain longer in the air. The operation is also limited by the small number of parking positions capable of accommodating a plane of similar size and weight.
Although Palma de Mallorca has strong international traffic during the summer, the arrival of the Boeing 747-8 requires adaptations that temporarily affect almost the entire operational routine of the airport.
This article was prepared based on information from Boeing, AENA, and the Spanish air traffic controllers association, with data, numbers, and statements preserved according to the consulted material.
