The 747 is the plane which changed global aviation about 45 years ago, and it's sad to see so many airlines retire them. I totally get why they're doing it, given that there are more fuel efficient long range aircraft out there nowadays, but it doesn't make it any less sad. The 747 is also…
Continue reading: Air France’s Tribute To The 747
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Last takeoff for Air France 747 is today out of ORD, my home airport, hopefully it does a 22L departure 🙂
I had an award ticket to the last AF 747 transatlantic flight MEX-CDG but had to cancel a week before due to another obligation I couldnt get out of weekend of Jan 10th. Ah well. I've never been on a retirement flight but would imagine it may be similar to attending a wake? I have no idea. Great to see these videos though.
In addition to the SQ 747 video, I always tear up when watching the Philippine airline 747 tribute video.
Which airline is next to retire their 747s? Delta? Cathay Pacific?
I'm flying first on a BA 747 flight in a few months....yes, it's cramped for first, but I'm looking forward to it (again). (Flew the same way with them in 2014.)
Don't BA own all of their 747's and hence that is why they want to keep them, as the planes are in good shape and they can milk them for all they are worth until the end rather than having a new aircraft they need to make payments on.
@Nick L
Absolutely agreed. I love BA F despite the cramped nature. The curvature of the nose affords views you can't get on any other plane, plus it's becoming more and more nostalgic. Yeah, as Lucky correctly points out, it's a glorified J seat, but I've never had less-than-stellar service on any flight - though my food tastes are decidedly low-brow, and the plane is just so beautiful.
I'm thinkng Qantas will start dropping their 747s soon enough. With the 787s on their way, this seems very likely to replace its aging 747 fleet starting with routes like SYD-JNB given the lower capacity demands on it.