Boeing and Atlas Air Worldwide celebrated the delivery of the final B747 on Tuesday, January 31, marking the end of over half a century’s production of the iconic ‘Queen of the Skies’.
The historic event saw the return of the original employees – known as the ‘Incredibles’, who had designed and built the first 747 – to the Everett factory where the journey of the 747 first began in 1967.
"This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that shrank the world, and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first widebody," said President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Stan Deal.
"It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where ‘the Queen’ will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo."
As the first twin-aisle aircraft and Jumbo Jet, the 747 paved the way for non-stop trans-oceanic flights, connecting people across vast distances. Its core design made it a favourite among passengers and operators alike.
The Everett factory produced 1 574 B747s over the life of the programme. The latest 747-8 model, launched in 2005, continues to deliver efficiency to travel and air cargo markets.
Simple Flying has shared a video of the handover. Click this link to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYLYlIotHBk
