54 years after Boeing amazed the world with the 747, the company has rolled out the last 747 it will ever build.
Production of the 747, the world’s first twin-aisle airplane, began in 1967 and spanned 54 years, during which a total of 1,574 airplanes were built.
The final airplane is a 747-8 Freighter. At At 250 ft 2 in (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service.
The final 747 left Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state on 06 December, 2022. The factory was itself originally built in 1967 to manufacture the 747.
Atlas Air is the lucky airline receiving this final 747 early 2023.
Boeing build the 747 at the request of Pan Am. It was the first ever twin-aisle aircraft , the original Jumbo Jet and changed the world probably more than any other aircraft.
Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President and general manager, 747 and 767 Programs:
“For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come.”
Editor’s note:
I loved flying the 747. I loved watching this magnificent aircraft take off – something that even now sometimes seems impossible.
I’ve been lucky to make hundred of flights on 747s in its many versions – the -100, -200, -300, -400, -8 and the SP.
So far as I recall, I’ve flown 747s of these airlines:
- Pan American World Airways
- Air New Zealand
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- British Caledonian
- Cathay Pacific
- Gulf Air
- KLM
- Kuwait Airways
- Lufthansa
- Northwest Orient
- Olympic Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- Swissair
- Thai Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
N.B. Image credit: Boeing
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