EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 6, 2022 – The last Boeing 747 left the company’s widebody factory in advance of its delivery to Atlas Air in early 2023.
“For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come,”
Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President and general manager, 747 and 767 Programs.
The 747 has played a key role in Boeing’s history of aerospace leadership.
- Production of the 747, the world’s first twin-aisle airplane, began in 1967 and spanned 54 years, during which a total of 1,574 airplanes were built.
- At 250 ft 2 in (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service. At typical cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels roughly the length of three FIFA soccer fields or NFL football fields, per second.
- The final airplane is a 747-8 Freighter. This model has a revenue payload of 133.1 tonnes, enough to transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls.
Cover Photo via Boeing
It is wonderfully fitting that the last 747 built is to go to Atlas Freight, on behalf of parent Qantas (Australia). Qantas was one of the first airlines to take the 747-238B and for many years was an all 747 fleet.
Qantas was one of the first to commit to the 747 with an early order for the 100 series in 1967 but this was delayed and replaced with a firm order for four of the 200 model in 1969. First delivery was in 1971 as VH- EBA, the 147th 747 off the line.
I recall having read that the A340-600 was even longer than the 747.
747-8 is longer.
19 million ping-pong balls as a measure of hold volume but 19million golf balls would wildly exceed the maximum payload weight!
It is the end of an era. The management idiots at Boeing are unable to replicate the stellar engineering and design comparable to a 747. Instead, they produce death traps like the Max. Sad!!!
Wow, I thougt its already not produce anymore, but this is the last Queen to build in there
Thanks for sharing