Boeing has delivered the last 747, with freighter airline Atlas Air getting the last of the iconic “Queen of the Skies” to be built.
During a delivery ceremony at Boeing’s Everett, Washington facility, Atlas Air took delivery of the final 747 to be built – a 747-8 Freighter with the registration N863GT. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Boeing and Atlas Air, the aircraft manufacturer’s customers and suppliers, along with current and former employees of the aircraft manufacturer.
The 747-8F also features a special decal with the words “Joe Sutter forever incredible” as a tribute to the original 747 design team manager Joe Sutter.
Following the delivery of the 747-8F, Boeing concluded production of the 747 after over 50 years. Since the start of the production of 747s in 1967, Boeing has produced 1574 of the widebody jets.
“This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that ‘shrank the world,’ and revolutionized travel and air cargo as the first widebody,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “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.”
We are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world,” said John Dietrich, President and CEO Atlas Air Worldwide.
“Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 program as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.”
Known worldwide as the “jumbo jet” and the “Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 747 was the first twin-aisle airplane which enabled airlines to transport passengers and cargo across vast distances opening non-stop trans-oceanic travel. With its distinctive hump and seating the upper deck, the 747 solidified Boeing’s role as an industry leader in commercial aviation.
Since the first 747 was produced, Boeing has improved on the original design of the aircraft with models such as the 747-400 in 1988. The 747-8 was the last model of the aircraft to be launched in 2005.
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