As I’ve explained in my last Debrief about the war in Libya Operation Unified Protector (was Odyssey Dawn) explained (Day 138 – 161) after fighting hard for Tripoli IAP (International Airport), on Aug 25 rebel forces took possession of one of the most famous Libyan planes : the Afriqiya Airways VVIP Airbus A340-213, MSN 151, registration “5A-ONE”, ex HZ-WBT4.

The wide body was Gaddafi’s preferred transportation means for both short trips and State Flights. However the plane was not always large enough to carry all his entourage. In Aug. 2010, his official visit to Italy was supported by the Airbus 340 (that arrived at Rome-Ciampino airport) and 3 other aircraft (two of which had to land at Fiumicino) !