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In the early years of Kazakhstan's independence, the need for a modern aircraft for official state visits became apparent. In 1994, President Nursultan Nazarbayev acquired a Boeing 747, a significant acquisition that would later be designated UN-001 and etch its place in the nation's history as the first presidential jet.

Why a Boeing 747?

Ahead of a crucial official visit to the United States in 1994, the Kazakhstani delegation opted for the wide-body Boeing 747 model. Records indicate that during a meeting in Washington, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton inquired about the new aircraft. President Nazarbayev reportedly highlighted that it was the first Boeing aircraft in the former Soviet Union's territory and emphasized its greater fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to the Russian Il-96.

However, this particular Boeing 747 was not a brand-new plane straight from the factory.

The Aircraft's Provenance

The specific model, a Boeing 747SP, was manufactured in 1978. It initially served with the American airline Trans World Airlines (TWA) before passing through several owners. On January 6, 1994, it officially became the property of the Government of Kazakhstan, receiving the board number UN-001.

Its service wasn't limited solely to presidential journeys. During periods when the head of state had no official flights scheduled, the aircraft was utilized for civilian and commercial routes by Kazakhstan Airlines. This period coincided with the nascent stages of Kazakhstan's national air transport market, which would later evolve into Air Kazakhstan and subsequently Air Astana.

Post-Kazakhstan Service

Approximately two years later, the aircraft changed hands again and was transferred to the United Kingdom. After serving until 2002, the airliner was retired and eventually scrapped. According to data from 747sp.com, the company Cargolux managed to preserve the forward cabin section and the upper deck of the aircraft, which were used for training purposes. It is reported that the fuselage section is currently stored at an airfield in Velbert, Germany.

A Symbol in History

The UN-001 was more than just an aircraft; it represented a symbol of Kazakhstan's newly defined geopolitical direction. Acquiring a long-range airliner from a Western manufacturer in the 1990s was seen as a bold step, signaling the nation's readiness to pursue an independent foreign policy on the international stage. While this Boeing 747SP no longer takes to the skies, it remains a silent witness to Kazakhstan's early diplomatic missions and international negotiations during its independence era.

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