On October 27, 2017, United Airlines will fly their last scheduled Boeing 747-400ER flight from Seoul (ICN) - San Francisco (SFO), with one final and commemorative flight on November 7, 2017 from San Francisco (SFO) - Honolulu (HNL), the airlines first 747 route. The 747, better known as the Queen of the Skies, holds the title of being one of the most distinguishable jetliners in the world. With its distinctive humpback silhouette, massive wingspan with 4-engines, and folded wingtips, the 747's unique design has paved the way for the future of aviation. This aircraft was designed with maximum comfort and international travel in mind, capable of flying over 20 hours with 400+ passengers in a 3-cabin configuration.
As an #AvGeek, I'm incredibly sad to see this bird fly its last flight. It's the end of an era for one of aviation's most magnificent and unique jetliners, who's journey started almost 50 years ago in 1969. This aircraft has been a testbed for innovation, heralding in the era of more fuel efficient aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While the plane's legacy will live on, thanks to the introduction of the extended Boeing 747-8, I hold a special place in my heart for United's 747, which I attribute to my dad who worked at United for nearly 30 years and introduced me to my love of aviation. Together, we would fly on this plane to Taiwan, Japan, the UK, Germany, and more.
In honor of this special plane, United has created a video to commemorate the beauty, glory, and excellence of the Queen of the Skies. Long live the Queen!