[powertower]

Theory A) Putin had 3 Russian Spetsnaz hijack the plane, kill all the passengers on board, and navigated to an abandoned space launch and landing facility, so in a year or two it could be loaded up with explosives and used in a first-strike terrorist attack against the USA.

Theory B) Plane crashed at unexpected location in ocean that covers 3/4 of earth surface.

I know which one the media outlets that are booking this guy are going to be pushing come Monday. It has all the right juicy bits in it. And the other one is kind of bland.

[dingaling]

Given that used 777-200s are fairly cheap and common on the leasing market, Theory A key seems an utterly Bond Villanesque way of obtaining an airframe.

You'd have to reprogram its transponder and slap-on a coat of paint anyhow, so why not just hire one from ILFC through a couple of proxy companies? Much easier and less risky. Operate it on routine 'cargo' services until needed...