Boeing did indeed announce in July 2021 that it would end production of the iconic 747. The last 747 was scheduled to be completed in 2022, marking the end of over 50 years of production for the “Queen of the Skies.”
The 747 indeed revolutionized air travel by introducing the concept of the “Jumbo Jet,” significantly increasing the capacity and range of commercial flights. It played a crucial role in making air travel more accessible to the general public, spurred the development of other wide-body aircraft, and was instrumental in the expansion of the global air freight industry.
Market Shift and Competition
The 747 faced declining sales due to the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft, which offered similar range and capacity but with lower operational costs. Both Boeing and Airbus developed such aircraft (e.g., the Boeing 777 and 787, Airbus A350), which became more appealing to airlines than the four-engine giants like the 747 and Airbus A380. This shift reflected changing airline preferences towards more versatile and economical aircraft.
The 747-8 Intercontinental, the latest passenger variant of the 747, indeed struggled to compete with newer aircraft models, including the Airbus A380 and more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets. Despite its advancements and capabilities, the 747-8i received a limited number of orders from airlines, partly due to the shifting dynamics of the aviation industry.
Legacy and Affection for the 747
The Boeing 747 has left a significant legacy and is beloved by many, including aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and passengers, for its distinctive design and historical importance. Its unique humpback silhouette made it one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world.
A few airlines still operated passenger versions of the 747, although their numbers have been dwindling due to retirement of older aircraft and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel. The pandemic accelerated the retirement of less efficient, older aircraft, including many 747s.
While the opportunities to fly on a 747 are becoming increasingly rare, there are still a few airlines that operate them, primarily for specific routes or charter flights. Aviation enthusiasts hoping to experience a flight on a 747 should monitor these airlines closely, as the chances may become even fewer in the coming years.
Air China
Air China maintains a fleet of 10 Boeing 747s, including 3 of the classic 747-400 models and 7 of the larger, more modern 747-8s. Most of these aircraft are either inactive or utilized for charter and VIP flights. The 747-400s are operated on flights to Shenzhen, while other routes are served by the 747-8 variant. All have returned to active service, with the 747-400s operating domestic flights within mainland China.
The newer 747-8s are all in service as well, operating a mix of domestic and international routes. If you’re looking for the long haul experience, you can connect from Beijing to cities like Los Angeles, New York and Frankfurt.
Officially, the airline operates seven 747-8is, but uses one (registered B-2479) solely for VIP transport. Here is the seating configuration of the two types.
Seating configuration:
- 747-400: 10 first class seats, 42 business (24 in the upper deck and 18 below), and 292 economy.
- 747-8i: 12 first class seats, 54 business (30 in the upper deck and 24 below), 66 premium economy and 233 economy.
Asiana Airlines
Even though Asiana has 10 cargo 747-400s, they also have a lone passenger jumbo which still operates flights between South Korea and Taiwan. In a 2020 announcement, this single 747-400 was marked for retirement in 2021 as the airline sought to remove older aircraft from its fleet in an effort to maintain a modern fleet.
Asiana Airlines operates only one Boeing 747-400 (registered HL-7428), to be retired on 25 March 2024. To mark the occasion, the airline is offering 30% off tickets for those flying the 747 on March 25. This sole aircraft has three designated routes from Seoul: to Osaka until the end of 2023, to Tokyo in January and February 2024, and to Taipei.
Seating is already very limited, so you should book now if you want to be part of aviation history.
Seating configuration:
- 747-400: 10 first class seats, 45 business (24 in the upper deck and 21 below), and 304 economy.
Korean Air
Korean Air currently has nine 747-8is in their fleet, all of which are in active service. All of them are being used on its long haul routes between Seoul, and the United States and Europe. Currently they fly to Honolulu, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Paris and London.
Korean Air continues to operate eight Boeing 747-8 version, to be retired by 2031, includes HL7644, the last passenger 747 ever built. One (registered HL7643) has been leased to the Government of South Korea to provide VIP transport services for government heads. It carries a new livery and is registered as 22001.
Korean sits behind Lufthansa is terms of 747-8i orders, taking on a total of 10 passenger jets.
Seating configuration:
- 747-8i: 6 first class seats, 48 business (22 in the upper deck and 26 below), and economy.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is back in the 747 game, operating its entire fleet of 19 747-8is and eight 747-400s. The older 747-400s are expected to be replaced by newer Boeing 777-9s (if they are ever delivered on time). The German carrier is both the launch customer and the largest 747-8 operator, with all 19 of its -8is back in service.
Lufthansa holds the title as the world’s largest operator of Boeing 747s, with a total of 27 aircraft divided between the 747-400 and the newer 747-8 variants. The majority of these planes are in active service, making Lufthansa the airline with the most 747-8s globally. The 747 is a key part of their fleet, operating a wide variety of routes across the United States, South America, Asia and South Africa.
Seating configuration:
- 747-400 Layout 1: 53 business class seats (22 in the upper deck and 31 below), 32 premium economy, and 308 economy.
- 747-400 Layout 2: 67 business class seats (22 in the upper deck and 45 below), 32 premium economy, and 272 economy.
- 747-8i: 8 first class seats, 80 business (32 in the upper deck and 48 below), 32 premium economy, and 244 economy.
Mahan Air
Mahan Air, an airline based in Iran, has operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the Boeing 747. This iconic aircraft has been utilized by many airlines worldwide for its capacity and range, making it suitable for long-haul international flights. However, due to sanctions and restrictions, Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air, have faced challenges in maintaining and updating their fleets. This has affected their operations, including those involving older aircraft models like the 747.
Iranian airline Mahan Air still has one 747-400 in its name (EP-MEE). The airline has another 747-400 which was in storage for over 10 years before being brought back into service in 2019. It operated flights within the region but flew its last flight in June 2021 before entering storage from October 2021.
Even though Mahan Air’s 747 shows very vague activity from time to time, it appears that it only operates on domestic runs within Iran.
Seating configuration:
- 747-400: 26 business class seats and 434 economy.
Related news: https://www.airguide.info/?s=747
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, wiki
