What is the purpose of the 747?
What is the purpose of the 747? The Boeing 747 is a large, wide-body commercial jet airliner aircraft, with four wing-mounted engines. It is used as both a passenger carrier and cargo carrier. The 747 first flew in 1970 with Pan Am and was the first wide-body airplane to be manufactured by Boeing - it was the first plane to be dubbed a 'Jumbo Jet'.
Is 747 obsolete?
The last jumbo jet was delivered in January, but it has been obsolete for decades. The 1,574th and final 747, which rolled off Boeing's production line in Everett, Washington, on January 31, is destined for a life shipping goods around the world on behalf of the New York–based cargo company Atlas Air.
Why is the Boeing 747 so iconic?
From the 1970s through the '90s though, the 747 opened up the world to millions who had never before traveled internationally. Its range allowed airlines to fly nonstop between major cities never before connected. Its size produced economies of scale so they could fill seats at the back with cheaper fares.
Why is 747 called Queen of the Skies?
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.
How Boeing 747 changed the world?
The 747 went into service in the early 1970s, at a time of major societal change. It drove exponential growth in air travel, tourism, and connections between people around the world. In its first year, a fully-loaded 747 cut the cost of flying a passenger by half. Flying became instantly more accessible.
Has A380 ever crashed?
The aircraft has been involved in only two significant incidents since its introduction – a 2011 crash in France and a 2016 tyre burst incident in Australia. In the first incident, the plane was being operated by Air France and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil, killing all 228 people on board.
Why do pilots love 747?
Many long-haul planes have pilot bunks. On some airplanes you have to pass through the passenger cabin to reach the bunks or lavatories; on others, like the 747, you need never leave the cockpit area and can move freely between the bunk and the bathroom in your pajamas.
Are 747 still safe?
The 747 has also had an incredible safety record despite being involved in disasters such as the Tenerife incident in the Canary Islands when two 747s collided on the runway, and a Japan Airlines 747 that suffered explosive decompression in mid-flight, the two worst incidents in commercial aviation history that each ...
What is the oldest 747 still flying?
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.