We May Have Stumbled on something interesting…

(This post is retroactive - date of original publication was june 11, 2026)

Aviation historians, museum folks, warbird restorers, and general airplane nerds:

I may have stumbled onto something interesting.

The City of El Paso recently became the registered owner of N4AZ, the sole surviving McDonnell 220 (originally the McDonnell 119) — widely considered the world’s first purpose-built business jet.

I reached out to El Paso International Airport and received a very encouraging response. The airport is currently evaluating possible preservation or transfer options before moving toward a standard surplus disposal process and is interested in hearing from museums, collectors, and preservation organizations with realistic plans for acquisition and long-term preservation.

For those unfamiliar with the airplane, this is not just another old business jet. This is a one-of-one prototype representing the birth of modern business aviation. If you’ve ever flown, worked around, or admired a Learjet, Gulfstream, Citation, Falcon, or Challenger, this aircraft sits at the beginning of that story.

I’ve already begun looking into transport logistics and potential preservation paths, but I’m primarily trying to identify organizations or individuals who may have a serious interest in the aircraft.

If you have connections with:

* Aviation museums

* Business aviation organizations

* Aircraft preservation groups

* Restoration teams

* Historic aircraft foundations

I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s make sure the world’s first purpose-built business jet gets the future it deserves!

I now have a proper email address for this project. Please send all information and resources you may have to info@savethe220.org

Thank you all!