Flying facts ? the Boeing 747 Our last 747 passenger flight was the VS608, a Covid-19 rescue flight, from Los Angeles to London Heathrow on 30 March 2020 operated by G-VROS. Thirty 747s in total have graced our fleet over our 36 years of operations: fourteen 747-200 'Classics', thirteen 747-400s and just one 747-100.

As of early 2026, Virgin Atlantic has zero Boeing 747s in its active fleet. The airline officially retired its last "Queen of the Skies" (the Boeing 747-400) in December 2020 during the global travel downturn, marking the end of an era for the iconic four-engine jet. In 2026, Virgin Atlantic has completely transitioned to a "Twin-Engine" fleet strategy, utilizing the significantly more fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for its long-haul routes. This shift was driven by a high-value commitment to sustainability and lower operating costs, as the newer jets burn roughly 30% less fuel. While the 747 was the backbone of Virgin's identity for decades, the 2026 traveler will instead experience the ultra-modern "Loft" or "Retreat Suite" on their newer wide-body aircraft, which offer a much quieter and more pressurized cabin environment than the retired jumbos.