As of early 2026, the number of airlines using the Boeing 747 for passenger service has dwindled to just a handful. The primary scheduled passenger operators remaining are Lufthansa, which maintains a large fleet of 747-8s and 747-400s, Korean Air, and Air China. These airlines primarily use the "Queen of the Skies" for high-capacity long-haul routes between major global hubs. However, the 747 remains a dominant force in the cargo industry. Major freight carriers like Atlas Air, UPS Airlines, and Cargolux continue to operate hundreds of 747 freighters, valued for their unique nose-loading capability and massive payload capacity. While the passenger variant is slowly being retired in favor of more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets like the 777X or A350, the cargo versions are expected to stay in the sky for another decade or more, ensuring the iconic hump remains a common sight at international cargo hubs.

As of October 2023, the Boeing 747, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies,” is increasingly rare in passenger service, but it is still used by several carriers, primarily for cargo operations. Here’s an overview of airlines still operating the 747:

Passenger Airlines:

1. Lufthansa
   - Lufthansa is one of the last major airlines to operate the 747 in passenger service, primarily the 747-8 variant on long-haul routes.

2. Air China
   - Air China continues to operate a small fleet of 747-8 passenger aircraft on select routes.

3. Korean Air
   - Korean Air operates both passenger and cargo versions of the 747, including the 747-8.

4. Asiana Airlines
   - Asiana Airlines has a few 747-400s in passenger service, though they are gradually being phased out.

Cargo Airlines:

The 747 remains popular in the cargo sector due to its large capacity and long range. Major cargo operators include:

1. Atlas Air
   - Operates a large fleet of 747 freighters, including the 747-400F and 747-8F.

2. Cargolux
   - Operates the 747-400F and 747-8F for global cargo operations.

3. Kalitta Air
   - Uses 747-400F aircraft for cargo services.

4. UPS Airlines
   - Operates a fleet of 747-400F and 747-8F freighters.

5. FedEx Express
   - Uses 747 freighters, including the 747-400F, for its global logistics network.

6. Cathay Pacific Cargo
   - Operates 747-400F freighters for cargo services.

7. Qatar Airways Cargo
   - Uses 747-8F aircraft for its cargo operations.

Specialized Operators:

1. The U.S. Air Force
   - Operates the 747-8 as the VC-25B, which will replace the current VC-25A (Air Force One) fleet.

2. NASA
   - Uses a modified 747SP (SOFIA) for astronomical research, though this program has ended.

Phased Out by Many Airlines:

Many airlines have retired the 747 from their fleets due to the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft like the Boeing 777, 787, and Airbus A350. Notable carriers that have retired the 747 include British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Air Lines.

The 747 remains a symbol of aviation history, and its presence in the skies continues, albeit in a more specialized role.