All good things must come to an end, and it’s no different for the Queen of the Skies. On the evening of 6 December 2022, Boeing rolled out their last 747 to ever be produced at the company’s factory in Everett, WA, 52 years after rolling out the first 747.
The 747-8F freighter (#1574, N863GT) will go to Atlas Air, which took the last several 747s for its cargo fleet.
Production Is Ending, But The 747 Will Continue To Fly For Years, Mostly In A Cargo Role
The iconic plane, however, will still serve in the skies for many years to come, as major cargo carriers such as Atlas Air and UPS still use them extensively (both are the largest operators of the 747).
Atlas actually ordered the last three 747s, and they operate more 747s than anyone else (more than 50).
747 Was A Gamble That Paid Off
Boeing produced the 747 for more than 54 years. The plane was developed at the request of Pan Am, which in 1966 asked Boeing for the biggest airliner ever. Boeing accepted the challenge, and it nearly bankrupted them.
But the gamble paid off. The first 747 flew its maiden voyage on 9 February 1969. The first commercial flight with Pan Am took place a year later from New York to London, flown by Captain Robert M. Weeks, Captain John Noland, and Flight Engineer August (“Mac”) McKinney.
It ushered in a new era that revolutionized the industry by making international travel accessible to the everyday person.
Other airlines followed with orders for 747s, and it became a staple of international travel. A company wasn’t even considered a major airline unless it had a 747.
747 Served In Many Roles
Even NASA found use for them, using a modified 747 to carry their space shuttle fleet piggyback on trips between California and Florida for over 30 years.
NASA also modified another 747 to carry a flying telescope, which would explore the universe in ways that stationary telescopes on the ground could not. That plane flew its last science mission in 2022 and was retired to its final home at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
And, of course, the jumbo jet has served as Air Force One, flying six presidents over the years, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Boeing is currently working on two new 747 Air Force Ones to deliver to the Air Force, but they are modified 747s from already produced airframes.
But times, of course, do change. Increasing fuel costs and the introduction of newer plane types with improved fuel efficiency and advanced design technology have compelled major airlines to shift away from the 747.
Most now operate as cargo freighters. The global air cargo fleet is expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years. But a few airlines still fly them for passenger travel. They include Asiana Airlines, Mahan Air, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Max Air, and Air China.
Last 747 Will Fly With Atlas Air, The Largest Remaining Operator of the Type
“The 747 will forever hold a special place in aviation history,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Atlas Air began operations 28 years ago with a single 747, and it is fitting that they should receive the last, ensuring that the ‘Queen of the Skies’ plays a significant role in the global air cargo market for decades to come.”
Boeing and Atlas Air held a special ceremony on 31 January 2023 to mark the historic handoff of the very last 747. AvGeekery was there to bring our readers the story.
“I can’t emphasize how big of a sense of employee pride there is with this airplane,” said Boeing’s head of communication for the 747, Brianna Jackson, during a media tour of the production facility earlier this year. “There are people here who have worked on this plane for 40 years — their entire career on the 747. They love this airplane and want to see it to the end.”
