Atlas Air flew home the last 747 ever produced on 1 February, marking the end of 747 deliveries from Boeing after 53 years.
A day after a gala ceremony fit for the Queen of the Skies the 747-8F registered N863GT thundered down Paine Field’s Runway 16R and lifted into the air to the awe of gathered onlookers. After a low pass at Paine, the flight headed east for Cincinnati, but not before drawing a special tribute to the 747.
A tribute to the Queen of the Skies
En route from Everett to Cincinnati, the Atlas Air 747 took the time to draw a crown and “747” over eastern Washington. The 152 kilometer (94.5 mi) wide by 95.8 km (59.5 mi) high piece of sky art took 2 hours 35 minutes to complete at an altitude of 12,775 feet. The flight plan for this portion of the flight included 39 separate way points.
The final 747 delivery
The delivery of N863GT marks the final 747 to fly away from Everett after 1,574 747s came off the production line. From the first 747-100 to the shortened 747SP to the most successful variant, the 747-400, to the final 747-8, Boeing’s most iconic work has exited the building at Paine Field. The building will now be repurposed for 787 rework and a fourth final assembly line for the 737 MAX.
While this is the last delivery, the 747 will be around for decades to come, flying passengers between airline hubs and cargo all around the world.
Atlas Air will put this particular 747-8F into service carrying cargo for Apexlogistics. The second to last 747 also delivered to Atlas Air is flying for Apex’s parent company Kuehne + Nagel.
