Last Ever Boeing 747 Delivered
The most famous of commercial aircraft has now stopped production, as the last ever Boeing 747 is being delivered this week, flying from Boeing’s Everett factory today.
1,574 Boeing 747’s have been made since it was introduced over 50 years ago, and 448 of the aircraft remain in active service. The 747 entered service via it’s inaugural Pan American flight from New York to London in January 1970.
The aircraft changed the world back then, but it’s development was not without challenges. Boeing, the engine builder Pratt and Whitney, and the legendary Pan Am were almost all bankrupted during the process.
The 747 was not originally designed to carry passengers as the world looked to supersonic travel with aircraft like Concorde. However, the 747 was so big that airlines started to splash out with the iconic upper deck lounges.
By July 2020, it was reported in the media that Boeing planned to stop 747 production. The company later confirmed that as a result of “current market dynamics and outlook” it would stop making the aircraft in 2022, after delivery of its outstanding orders.
The last 747 rolled off the production line on December 6th, marking the end of an incredible era.
