The government of Mexico has acquired a Boeing 787 for operation by its air force, with the aircraft to be configured for head of state and other VIP transport duties. Made earlier this year, the purchase will result in the service becoming the first military operator to introduce the Dreamliner.
Now carrying air force markings and the registration TP-01/XC-MEX, the aircraft purchased by Mexico was the sixth and final flight-test example of the 787-8, and was previously named ZA006. Pre-delivery outfitting is now being conducted in Dallas, Texas, following the 787’s transfer from Boeing’s Charleston site in South Carolina earlier this month.
Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database records the aircraft as being powered by two General Electric GEnx-1B engines. First flown on 4 October 2010, it had accumulated some 689 flight hours and 181 cycles prior to being adapted for customer use.
The Mexican air force already operates a trio of 737s and one 757-200 for VIP transport tasks, Ascend data shows.
Source: Flight International
