It is the end of an era. That sentence is the only way to define the historical moment marked by the production of the last ever 747. The last Boeing Jumbo has left the Everett, Washington, production plant ahead of schedule and there are no more in production. Let’s take a closer look at this news and how the Boeing 747 has for ever changed the way we conceive air travel.
The Last Boeing 747 To Be Produced
Just 2 days ago, on December 8th, the last 747 to be produced by Boeing at the Everett production plant left the assembly line. This last plane of its type was supposed to be delivered in early 2023 but was completed ahead of schedule.
Specifically this last Jumbo is a 747-8F, the freighter version of the jet. It will join the cargo carrier Atlas Air’s fleet and go into operation shortly.
There haven’t been any passenger configured 747s delivered in quite some years. Airlines have moved away from the this aircraft type, as many other quad-jets, opting for more fuel efficient options.
The last delivery of a passenger jumbo was to Korean flag carrier Korean Air in 2017. Coincidentally I flew on one of the Korean Air 747-8s from Prague to Seoul.
The Legacy of The Queen of the Skies
Since its entry into service, in 1970 with American carrier Pan Am, the 747 has changed for ever air travel. The aircraft type is arguably the biggest milestone to making air travel available to the masses.
Prior to its introduction all flights, even long haul one, used to be served by single aisle narrow bodies. The 747 however with the unprecedented cabin size allowed for many more seats and cheaper tickets. This in turn attracted customers that before just couldn’t afford air travel. In a way it is fair to say that the 747 is the reason we have aviation the way it is nowadays.
The Variants Produced
The Queen of the Skies since entering service in 1970 Boeing’s largest commercial aircraft produced to date has evolved with many different variants. Specifically:
- 747-100
- 747SP
- 747-200
- 747-300
- 747-400
- 747-8
- VC25 (Air Force One)
Over the years this magnificent aircraft has received orders from every corner of the planet. Orders placed for all of its variants exceed 1,500 units.
The likely replacement for the 747 in the Boeing lineup is the new 777 variant which still in its testing phase. Although not as iconic as the 747 the twin jet will have a similar capacity once it enters service.
Personally I loved flying the 747. I have been a passenger countless times on the aircraft type in its 200 variant with Alitalia (when there was still a smoking cabin), Qantas in its 400ER variant and Korean Air in its 8 variant.
We’ll still see these Jumbo’s in airports around the world, however they will become a rarer sight as years pass. And it’s time to say good bye.
