Boeing says farewell to 'Queen of the Skies’ with last 747 delivery (Seattle: construction, airplane)

[homesinseattle]

Article link here: https://www.cnn.com/travel/amp/last-...ton/index.html

“More than half a century since the original jumbo jet ushered in a glamorous new jet age, helping bring affordable air travel to millions of passengers, the last-ever Boeing 747 was delivered on Tuesday, marking the start of the final chapter for the much-loved airplane. In a ceremony that was broadcast live online, the aircraft was handed over to its new owner, US air cargo operator Atlas Air, at Boeing's plant in Everett, Washington.

In a dramatic opening of the hangar's sliding doors, Atlas Air's new plane was revealed behind flags bearing the liveries of every carrier that's ever taken delivery of a 747. The company has 56 of the aircraft in its fleet.
One small significant detail on the last one delivered: a decal right next to the nose paying homage to Joe Sutter, chief engineer of the Boeing 747 program, who died in 2016 and is considered by many as the "father" of this famous aircraft. Members of the Sutter family, as well as members of the Boeing family representing the company's founder, Bill Boeing, attended the delivery ceremony on Tuesday.
John Dietrich, president and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, thanked the assembly of Boeing employees.
"The impact of your work continues well beyond the production lines," Dietrich said. "It has fueled childhood dreams and career ambitions while at the same time driving global economies and supply chains."
Dietrich also shared a flight plan spelling out "747" that the new plane is set to fly on Wednesday.
A string of speakers representing companies that have relied on the 747 came to celebrate the aircraft.
"The 747 is a symbol for many, many things, and above all, I think it's a symbol for the world, which the 747 has made substantially smaller," said Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr.
Actor and pilot John Travolta, who narrated a series of videos chronicling the aircraft's colorful history, appeared to thank the employees of Boeing for "the most well-thought-out and safest aircraft ever built."
While the final 747 won't be carrying paying passengers, its delivery is another milestone for the distinctive double-decker "Queen of the Skies," which revolutionized intercontinental travel while also appearing in James Bond films and even giving piggyback rides to the Space Shuttle.
With the last passenger 747 having entered service more than five years ago, the end of the 747's enduring career now moves even closer, hastened by airlines switching their preferences to smaller and more economical aircraft.
Tuesday's delivery is a moment long anticipated by the global aviation community. Expectant airplane enthusiasts have followed every step of the final 747's construction, ever since Boeing announced in July 2020 that it was ceasing production of its one-time flagship.
The aircraft, registered as N863GT, made its first public appearance in December, when it was rolled out of the Boeing assembly line covered in anti-corrosive green paint. In early January, photos appeared online of the aircraft, already wearing the Atlas Air livery and the homage to Joe Sutter”.

[rjshae]

In some ways the plane is symbolic of the company's rise and decline. It rose to prominence with Boeing being willing to bet the company to get it in production, and faded away with Boeing as a bean counter company unwilling to take risk.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by rjshae

In some ways the plane is symbolic of the company's rise and decline. It rose to prominence with Boeing being willing to bet the company to get it in production, and faded away with Boeing as a bean counter company unwilling to take risk.

I heard the famous pilot/Scientologist John Travolta was at the “last plane” ceremony.

[pnwguy2]

Took 747 on two trips to Hawaii with family in early 70’s. Northwest Orient. My 12 year old self was impressed. The one thing I remember is how long it took get in the air. as in “oh s—t is the runway long enough?”

[jertheber]

Originally Posted by pnwguy2

Took 747 on two trips to Hawaii with family in early 70’s. Northwest Orient. My 12 year old self was impressed. The one thing I remember is how long it took get in the air. as in “oh s—t is the runway long enough?”

That reminds me of the times the Flying Tiger 747's would take off from Boeing field, appearing as though they would be going straight through the Grocery Warehouse at the end of the runway. And then the almost impossible looking rotation--up and over south Seattle. The climbout was a spectacular demonstration of a true engineering marvel..

[pnwguy2]

Yes, agree, almost orgasmic. Of course not quite to that level but still fun! Our brains can experience different levels of pleasure. And a jet takeoff usually creates similar feelings.