Is it in civilian service ? I know it carries the reg YR-ABB, but I get the feeling it is an “official” aeroplane, and may well be flown by the Romanian armed forces – perhaps the civilian reg just makes it easier to fly into some airspaces that migth not welcome an overtly military aeroplane? When I flew back out of Otopeni yesterday the same plane (or a sister 707) was parked on the military ramp on the far side of the airport.

Also, would a civilian operator (even one based outside any EU or US emission/noise controls) still be using the older, thirsty, dirty, turbojet engines?

No doubt some ‘707 experts on here can confirm details. Once Romania has joined EU next month maybe we’ll get to see this ‘plane in the UK occasionally 🙂 – or will she be banned/grounded due to aforementioned EU controls on emissions and noise 🙁 ?

Paul F

Good point! Outside of AMARC and the USAF the largest user’s of the 707 these days are governments who use them in the VIP role or as transports and tankers. On a similar line of thinking doesn’t John Tavolta have a luxury 707 for his personal use?

On the other hand a great many DC-8 are still flying with commercial operators as transports. I haven’t got the figures but whilst less DC-8 were made there are now more still in service than the 707.