Boeing has delivered its final 747 in a ceremony at its Everett factory – bringing to a close more than a half century of production.

The aircraft was handed to Atlas Air Worldwide in an event joined thousands of people – including current and former employees as well as customers and suppliers.

Boeing employees who designed and built the first 747, known as the “Incredibles”, returned to be honoured at the factory where the journey of the 747 began in 1967.

The facility produced 1,574 planes over the life of the programme.

Monumental day

“This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the aeroplane that ‘shrank the world,’ and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first widebody,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“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.”

Iconic aircraft

“We are honoured to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world,” said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide.

“Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts.

“We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 programme as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.”
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