Does the US military use 747?

The US Air Force (USAF) continues to operate six adapted 747-200s: four E-4B airborne command post aircraft and a pair of VC-25A presidential transports, colloquially known as “Air Force One”.



Yes, the U.S. military operates several highly modified versions of the Boeing 747, most famously the VC-25A, known as "Air Force One" when the President is on board. There are currently two of these aircraft, based on the 747-200B, and they are being replaced by the VC-25B, which is based on the newer 747-8i. Additionally, the Air Force operates the E-4B "Nightwatch," also known as the "Doomsday Plane." This is a militarized 747-200 designed to serve as a National Airborne Operations Center during a nuclear conflict or national emergency. The E-4B is hardened against electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and features advanced satellite communications that allow the Secretary of Defense to command global forces from the air. While most 747s have been retired from commercial passenger service, the U.S. military and various cargo contractors continue to rely on the "Queen of the Skies" for its massive payload, long range, and four-engine reliability, ensuring it remains a staple of strategic defense operations for years to come.

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Table of Contents
  • Lufthansa.
  • Korean Air.
  • Air China.
  • Asiana Airlines.
  • Saudia (Air Atlanta Icelandic)
  • Mahan Air.
  • Other Boeing 747 Operators.
  • Conclusion.


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Modified versions of two Boeing 747 planes will serve as replacements for the White House's Air Force One. The planes are due for delivery in 2024 as part of a $3.9 billion contract. Boeing's 777X, its latest passenger plane model and projected replacement for the 747, is set for delivery in 2025.

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The Boeing 777X was unveiled on March 13 in a private, employees-only event. The 777X is destined to serve as Boeing's new flagship and replace the iconic 747 jumbo jet. The 777X comes in two variants: the $410.2 million 777-8, and the $442.2 million 777-9.

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Built in 1967 to produce the mammoth jet, it remains the world's largest manufacturing plant according to Boeing. But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes.

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British Airways today (Tuesday, 18 August 2020) retired its first Boeing 747 since announcing last month that all 31 of its jumbo jets had sadly flown their last commercial services.

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With its impressive size and graceful appearance, the 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” has been one of the most recognizable and versatile aircraft since its first flight in 1969.

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The B747's range falls slightly short of the A380, with a typical range of around 7,790 nautical miles (14,400 kilometers). However, it compensates with a higher top speed, capable of cruising at approximately Mach 0.855. This makes it more versatile, suitable for both long-haul and shorter intercontinental flights.

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The oldest active 747 aircraft today The oldest passenger aircraft in commercial operation is Boeing 747-400 EP-MEE (SN 24383) operated by Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline. IBA Insight Flights shows that this aircraft frequently makes trips between Tehran and Moscow, and last flew on 30th January 2023.

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A total of 251 Airbus A380s were built and delivered for civil aviation. How many A380s are still flying? As of May 2023, about 130 A380s are in service - but several airlines plan to reactivate more aircraft during the year.

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For 36 years, Virgin Atlantic flew Boeing 747 aircraft around the world. Now, the planes have been retired in favour of newer, more sustainable aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-9. If you miss the 747 as much as we do, here are five things you might not know about the Queen of the Skies…

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The Airbus A380 beats the Boeing 747 in passenger capacity, with the ability to accommodate 250 more passengers in a full economy configuration. The A380 offers more interior space, allowing for the inclusion of bars, showers, lounges, and private suites, making it a popular choice for luxurious first-class offerings.

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Emirates plans to fly Airbus A380 until 2041 Unfortunately for Emirates (and us passengers), the days of the Airbus A380 are numbered. Airbus stopped A380 production in 2021, as there weren't sufficient orders to keep production going.

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While the Boeing 747 carries more passengers and has a longer range, the 777X surpasses it in cargo capacity and fuel efficiency. The cost of operating the 777X is lower than the 747 due to newer technologies and larger engines, making it a better long-term investment for airlines.

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No more 747s are being made, but Boeing notes that they're still taking flight. The 1970s version even inspired one man to build a ground-based replica. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come, Boeing's Smith said. Copyright 2023 NPR.

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According to Boeing's data, the 777-9 has a total length of 251 feet 9 inches (76.72 meters). The 747-8 is just a bit smaller at 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters). The 777-9 is the longest commercial aircraft ever built.

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