Boeing has bid a final farewell to the iconic 747 jumbo, delivering the last plane to Atlas Air. The historic event marked the end of an era for the world’s first twin-aisle jetliner that redefined the aviation industry and air travel as we know it.
A host of Boeing employees, including the legendary “Incredibles” team who developed the 747 in the 60s, were on hand to witness the final delivery at the massive manufacturing plant in Everett, Washington.
The event was made even more special with a surprise appearance by none other than John Travolta, a Qantas ambassador who trained to fly the 747-400. Travolta referred to the 747 as “the most well thought out and safest aircraft ever built.”
Dubbed the “Queen of the Skies,” the jumbo has been a staple in the aviation industry for over 50 years, since its introduction by Pan Am in 1970. But as the demand for the jet declined, with the rise of more fuel-efficient two-engine widebody planes from Boeing and Airbus, the company confirmed the end of 747 productions in July 2020.
Despite this, the 747 will always hold a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, including British billionaire Richard Branson, who was inspired to start his own airline after a delayed flight. Branson affectionately referred to the 747 as a “wonderful beast” as he said goodbye to the iconic plane.
Boeing’s Everett facility, the production site since its conception, remains the world’s largest manufacturing plant. However, with the production of the 747 officially ending, the company is yet to decide which program will take over the 747 production bay.
Boeing will still have ties to the 747 through the aftermarket business and the Air Force One replacement program, which the company won in 2018. And while the 747 may be gone, the 777X, the heir apparent to the 747, is set to take its place, with deliveries set to begin in 2025.
As Boeing CEO David Calhoun said, “The 777, the next plane to dominate this space, displaced all its competition just like that – and we haven’t even introduced the best version.”
According to Boeing, the 747-8 roughly travels the length of three soccer fields per second.
In total, 1,574 B747s were built, with the final airplane a 747-8 Freighter with a payload of 133 tonnes.
It’s the end of an era, but the legacy of the 747 will live on forever.
For more, head to: www.boeing.com
