Mbabane: His Majesty King Mswati III’s jet known as Siyinqaba II is in Miami, United States of America, for heavy maintenance purposes.
Airways Magazine reported that on November 6, the Miami International Airport (MIA) had the unique visitor, the 29 year old McDonnell Douglas MD 87.
The Aircraft with registration 3DC-SWZ is reported to have begun its long journey from Matsapha International Airport (MIA) on November 5. Looking at this date, it was just a day after the plane jetted the Queen mother Indlovukazi into the country from a private visit in Maputo, Mozambique.
The Jet then continued its journey, eventually stopping in Madrid (MAD) before flying North to Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) in Spain where on November 6 it began its transatlantic crossing.
Upon arrival in Miami the Jet parked near the Amerijet International (M6) cargo terminal where it was photographed by Max Taubman (@maximumaviation).
According to the magazine the aircraft was mostly likely headed for maintenance at one of the many maintenance facilities, including Commercial Jet Heavy Maintenance Facility. But the real purpose of the arrival nevertheless remained unknown.
Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC) Chief Executive Officer Qiniso Dlamini confirmed the news, with one of the local dailies, The Times of Eswatini reporting that the plane was already due for maintenance which was why it was in Miami.
Siyinqaba II is the official airplane of His Majesty King Mswati III which was once impounded in Canada over a disputed debt. Former business partner, Singaporean entrepreneur Shanmuga Rethenam had the plane detained through Canadian courts in a bid to freeze the king’s assets and reclaim $8 million, alleging that royalty owed him.
Meanwhile, construction of the king’s Jet is underway amid reports that State jets that are parked at King Mswati III International Airport are exposed to inclement weather conditions. On November 7, the Times of Eswatini reported that the government needs E230 million for the construction of hangars and a workshop at KM III International Airport that would house two jets for royalty and another aircraft that would utilize the facility.
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