The 747 is flying its final route today on UAL and Delta will retire their fleet by the end of the year leaving no US Airline operating one of them. “It’s a fitting send-off in the most dignified way for the ‘Queen of the Skies’.”. The plane will likely be retired at an airline graveyard near the Mojave Desert. KLM first introduced the 747 in 1971, at that time a 747-200, and was therefore originally planning to end its history with the aircraft type exactly 50 years later, in 2021. And I loved every minute. Delta’s final flight on the 747 also is on the horizon. We take a look at some of the largest carriers in the United … United Airlines Set To Retire Iconic Boeing 747 Fleet On Nov. 7 With Vintage Honolulu Flight But, for passenger flights on U.S. airlines, the end is near. The final shuttle mission was completed with the landing of Atlantis on July 21, 2011, closing the 30-year Space Shuttle program. If you're lucky enough to fly in the nose section, an area usually reserved for First Class, it almost feels like you have your own private house in the sky. But the 747 isn't just about what it could do, it's also famous for how it looked. Clearly, the old bird impressed. The trend extends beyond U.S. shores as the passenger version of the 747 faces flagging fortunes elsewhere. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The future of vertical farming is hiding in this shipping container, HP's latest Elite business laptops add flexibility to your work-from-home experience, Discuss: How Boeing's 747 changed air travel forever, Vaccine seems to fight coronavirus variants, When it comes to airplanes, you never forget your first love, Joe Sutter, the 'father of the 747,' dies at 95, For this pilot, flying isn't just a job, it's incredible (Q&A). Following Tuesday’s flight, the plane will return empty to San Francisco before making its final flight to an airline “boneyard” in the California desert later this week. We have seen the early exit of the aircraft from some renowned 747 fleets, including British Airways’. United Airlines will retire its fleet of Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets by the end of 2017. N4703U operated for the airline until 1986 when it was transferred to Pan Am. On January 11, 2017, United announced it would begin phasing out its 747-400s and made its last 747 flight on November 7 that year. Like United, Delta’s last 747 also will head to a southwestern salvage yard, likely in early 2018. United rolled out a “throwback” theme for the flight, an attempt to recreate the carrier’s first-ever passenger flight on the 747. The bulk of the fleet is old, and getting older. That's fine for them, but as any aviation geek will tell you, the 747's flight into the sunset is a sad time. Its gloriously curved profile made it the most recognizable airliner ever to fly. Last March, we announced that this would occur by the end of 2018; now we plan to operate our last 747 flight in the fourth quarter of this year. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. MIAMI — All Nippon Airways retired its last Boeing 747 aircraft on Monday.The original jumbo jet had been a workhorse for the carrier, and for the nation it served, since the 1970s. It invested in the aircraft back in 1970 and went on to own 88 aircraft in four variants. The Queen of the Skies (yes, it will always have that title) changed the world forever from the moment it first flew in 1969. United took delivery of its first 747-100 on 26 June 1970. In nearly 50 years of service, United operated the 747-100, -200, and -400. But that’s what it was Tuesday morning at San Francisco International Airport as United Airlines bid farewell to its last Boeing 747. “It’s bittersweet. Even Economy Class could be comfortable with the aircraft's high ceilings and wide cabin. What United has allowed to happen to its 747 fleet is very sad, but it was, unfortunately, predictable. End of An Era-United To Retire 747s Today; Delta By End of 2017 The end of an era is fast coming to a close. Against the backdrop, the mood on Tuesday was one of celebration as United’s 747 readied for its ride into the sunset. Once in Hawaii, the farewell party continued into the evening -- first at the arrival gate, then in Honolulu's Waikiki neighborhood as many of the Flight 747 passengers made their way into the city. A number of other global airlines — including Air France and Hong Kong’s Cathay — have retired their 747s recently. Just this week, British Airways — the world’s largest remaining operator of the 747 — confirmed its plans to begin phasing out the jet. The company is also slashing 20% of its staff, and … Newer and more efficient aircraft including the Boeing 777 will take their place, letting the airline cut fuel costs and no doubt pleasing many of its passengers eager for modern amenities such as seatback TVs in economy. The first of 23 Boeing 747-100s came to United in … MORE: First look: United's Boeing 747 farewell flight was one to remember. Almost all classic (pre-400s) 747s predate 1989 (the last nine were delivered in 1989–91), and the oldest -400 entered service in 1989 this month. The party continued onboard Tuesday as United Flight 747 took its spot in the record books. The flight landed in Honolulu shortly after 3 p.m. local time Tuesday, retracing United's inaugural 747 route from 1970. According to Investopedia, fuel accounts for 10-12% of operating expenses. United Airlines’ Boeing 747-400 aircraft performed its last ever passenger flight on November 7th, 2017 when flight UA 747 took off from San Francisco, California for Honolulu, Hawaii. Firstly, as technology develops, newer aircraft of similar size and range achieve higher rates of fuel efficiency. The upper deck remains the best place in the air -- quiet, intimate and supremely smooth. Secondly, the older an aircraft becomes, the more maintenance it requires. The remaining 747s still in the air that are operated by US airlines are represented by a few charter jets and cargo operators. When it comes to aircraft, the phrase “age ain’t nothing but a number” doesn’t really apply. United Airlines plans to fly its last Boeing Co. 747 jumbo jet late this year, retiring its largest airplanes a year ahead of schedule as the iconic aircraft glides into the sunset. I remember flying it as a kid, on this exact route — San Francisco to Honolulu.". Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. 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