The University of Alaska Anchorage says a Boeing 727 cargo jet being donated to its Aviation Technology Center by shipping company FedEx will land at Merrill Field at 2 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.
UAA spokesperson Jessica Hamlin says the 100,000-pound jet is expected to make at least two flyovers above the Downtown area, before coming in to land on the field’s 4,000-foot runway. Its landing was approved by the Anchorage Assembly earlier this month.
The aircraft is one of two being donated by FedEx, with the other 727 headed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Once the Anchorage jet lands at Merrill Field, it is not expected to be flown again.
“The 727, dubbed ‘Two Bears,’ is named after the now-grown son of Hugo Yturralde, a FedEx manager in Anchorage for more than 28 years,” Hamlin wrote.
Much of Merrill Field is a restricted area, with people trespassing beyond designated safe areas subject to arrest. Hamlin says nearby public areas, such as the parking lot of the Northway Mall just east of the field, offer the best chance to watch the plane touch down.
“People who come onto the airfield will likely be redirected onto the Northway Mall lot,” Hamlin said.
Contact Chris Klint
