With its iconic hump and swept wings carrying four enormous engines, the 747 is probably the most recognizable aircraft in the world. It has an indelible place in aviation history as the Queen of the Skies. It’s also expensive to operate and maintain compared to newer generation, twin engined long-haul aircraft. Most airlines have long-retired their 747 fleet, but there are a few still keeping the Queen going. We explored Flightradar24 data to see which airlines and routes give you the best chance of climbing aboard this iconic aircraft today.
A month in the life of the Queen of the Skies
Flightradar24 tracked a total of 3,269 passenger flights operated by the Boeing 747 in May 2025. Of these, 2,232 were operated by Boeing 747-8 aircraft and the remaining 1,037 by Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
67% of those flights were operated by Lufthansa (LH/DLH). Air China (CA/CCA) and Korean Air (KL/KAL) also operated a significant number of flights. Other, less frequent operators included Max Air (VM/NGL) and Rossiya (FV/SDM).
Top 747 passenger operators – May 2025
Airline Number of flights
Lufthansa (DLH) 2180
Air China (CCA) 498
Korean Air (KAL) 362
Max Air (NGL) 124
Rossiya (SDM) 48
Lufthansa (LH/DLH) has by far the largest fleet of passenger 747s in the world. As of June 2025 it operates 27 aircraft, made up of 19 Boeing 747-8 aircraft and 8 Boeing 747-400 aircraft. All based in Frankfurt (FRA), these aircraft operate flights to destinations in the Americas, and select flights to India.
Whilst Lufthansa had the highest total number of flights in May, the most frequently occurring 747 passenger flights were Korean Air’s route from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Air China’s domestic route between Beijing (PEK) and Shenzhen (SZX) .
Route Flights Operator
ICN–LAX 118 Korean Air
LAX–ICN 118 Korean Air
SHA–PEK 78 Air China
PEK–SHA 74 Air China
PEK–CAN 62 Air China
The hardest working jets
Our data shows that B-2447 operated the highest number of flights in May. This aircraft is operated by Air China and was built in January 1995. The aircraft almost exclusively operates domestic flights within China, most commonly flights between Beijing (PEK) and Shenzhen (SZX). This aircraft operated 136 flights in May, and is closely followed by two other company 747s (B-2487 and B-2486) which operated 126 and 114 flights respectively.
So, how do I fly on a Boeing 747?
In Europe/the Americas – Fly with Lufthansa, from Frankfurt (FRA), to Buenos Aires (EZE), San Francisco (SFO), Mexico City (MEX), and São Paulo (GRU).
In Asia – Fly with Korean Air from Seoul Incheon (ICN) on flights to Atlanta (ATL), Hong Kong (HKG), Los Angeles (LAX), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Taipei (TPE). You can also fly with Air China between Beijing (PEK) and Shenzhen (SZX), or between Beijing and New York (JFK).
Cover photo: Kevin Cargo, JetPhotos
5 Responses
if you write a piece then do research. Mahan regularly flies with Boeing 747-400 from Tehran to Kish Island and Mashad.
Don’t be so rude. Thank them for the obvious research they did, then politely mention that they missed an airline and route.
And 747-400 on LH 492/493 FRA-YVR (Vancouver)
Just returned from booked Lufthansa flights on B747-8 because I’d never flown on it. Sadly, it was substituted by B747-400 which was definitely showing its age.
Even worse, GF/Specially ordered and confirmed meals were not on board the long flight to Singapore and back.
£41 offered as compensation!
You left out Lufthansa’s daily flights to Johannesburg.