A significant era in aviation history has just concluded as Boeing prepares to deliver its final 747.

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

A chapter in aviation history has come to an end after 54 years as the last Boeing 747 departs from Boeing's assembly plant in Everett, Washington. This final 747-8 Freighter is one of 1,574 aircraft of the 747 series ever manufactured, famously known as the “Queen of the Skies.” Still adorned with its gleaming green protective coating, this gigantic aircraft was quietly pulled out of Boeing's wide-body aircraft production plant. Next, it will be transferred to another Boeing facility to be painted in Atlas Air's livery and prepared for delivery to customers next year.

The 747 came to life following Boeing's setback in delivering a large jet transport aircraft for the US military in the 1960s. While Lockheed secured the final contract with the C-5A Galaxy, Boeing believed its design, featuring high-speed turbofan engines, could be repurposed for the burgeoning civilian aviation market of the time. On January 9, 1969, the first prototype 747 took to the skies over Washington state, boasting an astonishing length of 68.5 meters, a wingspan larger than a basketball court, and a tail height equal to a six-story building.

It also featured a hump on its top, resembling a whale. This was because the late 1960s marked the era of experimental supersonic passenger aircraft, and Boeing was uncertain if the 747 would soon become outdated as a passenger plane. Hence, the aircraft was designed with a high cockpit and a nose that could flip upwards for cargo loading. However, supersonic aircraft remained in the realm of speculation and experimentation, while the 747 became the driving force behind democratizing air travel, ferrying over 300 passengers in a twin-aisle cabin. Subsequent adjustments enabled the aircraft to accommodate up to 524 passengers. Early versions even boasted a piano lounge upstairs.

According to Boeing, the 747-8 Freighter boasts a payload of 133.1 tons. Throughout its extensive history, it has played various roles with extended variants, long-range variants, and specialized cargo-carrying variants. Additionally, it has appeared in over 300 films.According to Boeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Boeing 747-8 Freighter unique in aviation history?

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is unique because it marks the end of an era, being the last of the iconic 747 series after 54 years of service, known as the 'Queen of the Skies.' It also boasts a payload capacity of 133.1 tons, making it an essential cargo aircraft.

How did the Boeing 747 transform the civilian aviation market?

The Boeing 747 revolutionized civilian aviation by offering long-range, twin-aisle capabilities and the ability to carry up to 524 passengers. This made air travel more accessible to the masses, democratizing air travel in ways previously thought impossible.

What are the key design features of the Boeing 747?

The Boeing 747 features a distinct hump on top, a large wingspan, and a unique nose that can flip upwards for cargo loading. These features were originally designed to meet military needs and later repurposed for civilian aviation, marking a groundbreaking achievement in aircraft design.

Why was the Boeing 747 initially designed with a high cockpit and upward-flipping nose?

The high cockpit and upward-flipping nose of the Boeing 747 were designed during the 1960s, a time when supersonic passenger aircraft were being explored. Boeing believed the 747 might eventually serve as a cargo aircraft, which influenced its innovative design for loading and versatility.

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