On 16th July, 2020 British Airways sent an emotional communication announcing the immediate early retirement of their fleet of 30 Boeing 747-400s. The aircraft had been due to retire gradually over the next few years, with the last planes exiting the company by 2024.
The coronavirus and the catastrophic effect it has had on travel is leading airlines to retire aircraft much earlier than expected. The airline received its first Boeing 747-100 in 1971. The latest version, the B747-400 was delivered in 1989.
The jumbo was like a much-loved jumper, getting a bit tatty around the edges, but not able to part with it.
So sad I will never travel in the 'Queen of the Skies' again. For over 50 years, Boeing's 747 has been the world's most easily recognised jetliner with its humped fuselage and four engines. The 747 democratised global air travel in the 1970s, but fell behind modern twin-engine aircraft and now trails newer planes in fuel efficiency, making it expensive to run. But Phil always loved it and said it was a delight to fly.
It's as certain as a Champagne welcome in first class. When a 747 pulled up to a terminal window, cameras and smiles emerged, fingers pointed and children young and old run to look.
You will be missed.
