A historic moment in aviation history recently transpired when Boeing completed the final delivery of the 747 "jumbo jet" at its Everett facility, according to InterestingEngineering. Thousands of people gathered to mark the end of an era as the last 747 aircraft was handed over to Atlas Air, the iconic plane's largest operator.
The 747, also known by the company as the "Queen of the Skies," first took flight in 1969, revolutionizing travel and air cargo. As the first widebody airplane, it made non-stop trans-oceanic flights possible and changed the way people traveled.
Over the past five decades, the 747 has continued to evolve, with models such as the 747-400 and 747-8 delivering unmatched efficiency and economics to the travel and air cargo markets.
The Last Boeing 747
The final delivery of the 747-8 Freighter to Atlas Air has marked the end of more than 50 years of production for the aircraft. At the Everett factory, the "Incredibles," the employees who designed and built the first 747, were honored for creating one of the most iconic airplanes in history.
The 747 has established itself as one of the most recognizable and successful aircraft in history. "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," Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said in a press release.
Atlas Air
Atlas Air has a long and proud history of flying 747s for clients worldwide. Atlas Air Worldwide's president and CEO, John Dietrich, stated that the company shares Boeing's commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and the environment and that the aircraft will continue to be operated for many years.
Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, the company has spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, Dietrich said. The delivery of the final 747 aircraft serves as a reminder of the plane's long-term impact on aviation and the world.
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The Boeing 747 in History
According to Judy Rumerman of the US Centennial of Flight Commission (Wayback Machine), Boeing's development of the 747 jetliners in the 1960s was risky as the company invested $2 billion in the project to accommodate the growing number of air passengers.
Despite initial setbacks due to engine problems, the company recovered, and sales took off in the late 1970s.
With its signature hump on top of the fuselage and a capacity of over 400 passengers, the 747 quickly became a recognizable landmark in the aviation industry.
Boeing improved the design over time by adding extended upper decks and new technology. Despite the difficulties encountered during development, the 747 became an icon of air travel and a testament to the company's ingenuity.
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