Boeing’s iconic 747 is gradually flying off into the sunset. (Image: Jim Glab)
The Boeing 747 has been a popular intercontinental aircraft since its first commercial passenger flight in 1970, but now the iconic jumbo jet’s days may be numbered.
Boeing said it plans to cut back production of the four-engine 747 from 12 a year to just six starting in September, not only because airlines continue to prefer more fuel-efficient twin-engine planes like the 777 and 787 for their long-haul needs, but also because a slowdown in global cargo demand has hurt orders for 747 freighters. The same trend has restricted orders for Airbus’ rival jumbo, the A380.
Major global airlines have been phasing the 747 out of their fleets for several years, with more to come. Just this month, Air France celebrated the final flight of its last 747 after flying the plane as the mainstay of its intercontinental fleet for almost 46 years.
Related: Trip Report- Korean Air 747-8 ICN-SFO
According to Airways News, other airlines that retired all their 747s in recent years include Air New Zealand, Air Canada, All Nippon, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines. Delta and United are phasing out their remaining jumbos as well.
But 747s will continue to be seen at airports worldwide as some carriers still find them useful for their needs. Lufthansa recently started flying the newest version of the aircraft — the 747-8 — on some U.S. routes; Korean Airlines last year started flying its first new 747-8 and has several more on order; and British Airways last summer started to refit the interiors of a number of its 747s to keep them going for the immediate future.
Newly refurbished economy section in a British Airways 747. (Image: British Airways)
Readers: Where does the 747 rank on your list of preferred international aircraft? Will you be sorry to see them go?
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I Love the 747 as a passenger and as a pilot. I don’t care if they are ” old “. I would much rather be on a 747 than a new 787 with only 2 engines.
There is something that feels special about being on a 747, even as someone who usually flies in the back. Now, being based in SFO I do usually try to avoid the United 747s since the economy class feels really outdated, but I wish they were updating them instead of getting rid of them. I am lucky enough to be flying in the GF in the nose on a trip this Spring, and I’m excited to get a chance to do that before it’s too late!
Sad. It’s not that they were the particularly comfortable, convenient or fast. It was what the 747 represented for many of us – the voyage to new horizons, adventures and new lives. I’ve crossed the Atlantic and Pacific probably 60-70 times on 747s over the last 30 years. Pan Am, TWA, Virgin, BA, United, Air France, Lufthansa. Loved every minute. Well in hindsight anyway.
You are so correct. I have flown that route “upstairs” several times in both directions and having 14 seats (not always filled) with two lav’s and, basically, your own FAs – it just could not be beat
Amazing that more folks are buying Airbus 380s instead of 747-800. Both planes get the same performance and mileage, guess the Airbus folks are doing better deals.
Hard for me to compare since I have never been on a 380, but I have flown at least 60 times on a 747 in all seats from first class to the back of the plane. It’s the best, I too use to love flying business class on TWA 747s with the best upstairs seats. United wasn’t bad either.
Sorry, I mistook your comment as being made as tasteful humor. My mistake.
Thanks Michael, though I actually did know that.
Kirk,
FYI: the 747-8 is a new generation of the jumbo jet and flying for about four years. It has a further stretched upper deck, new generation jet engines and some technical improvements.
Perhaps after you take some English lessons you could try flying lessons.
You bet! You’ve never flown the friendly skies? Now if only they would let me pilot one…
I loved traveling on the Virgin Atlantic 747-400 in Upper Class. Really roomy lie-flat bed. Generally excellent cabin service. In the last few years I wish they had had A/C power at the seat,
VS’s A340-600’s have narrower beds and still no A/C power. A few months ago when I booked, VS wanted a much higher fare for its 787 to LHR, so I chose the A340-600 for an upcoming flight.
Old tired 747-400’s need to go, but not because they’re 747’s.
The best long haul aircraft ever!!!
The first 747 was delivered in 1969. “Recently” is relative
You’ve flown a 747??
The 747 is the best plane ever. Safe, lovely, iconic, and a lot of fun to fly, especially upstairs.
Don’t forget Air China is flying the 747-8 into SFO.
Lufthansa started flying the 747-8 to the US about three and a half years ago, not exactly “recently.”