Atlas Air Worldwide has taken delivery of the last Boeing 747, bringing to a close more than a half-century of production. The final delivery was celebrated by thousands of people – including current and former employees, customers and suppliers.
Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said that the 747 'shrank the world,' and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first widebody. 'It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the 'Queen' will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo.'Atlas Air began operations with a single 747-200 converted freighter over 30 years ago and has operated nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter and Large Cargo Freighter for transporting 787 Dreamliner parts. Known by various nicknames such as the ‘Jumbo Jet’ and ‘Queen of the Skies’, the Boeing 747 was the world’s first twin-aisle airplane.The 747 drove air traffic growth carrying large numbers of people across vast distances and providing non-stop trans-oceanic flights. It also solidified Boeing's role as an industry leader in commercial aviation. All 747’s were built at Boeing’s Everett factory, which produced over 1,574 airplanes over the programme's life.
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