Last 747 Leaves Boeing’s Everett Factory
WA – The last model to roll off the production line was a 747-8 Freighter variant. It marked the 1,574th Jumbo Jet built. Boeing’s VP of the 747 programs, Kim Smith, said, “For over half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has genuinely changed the world.
“We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come.” The ‘Queen of the Skies’ production began in 1967 and spanned a remarkable 54 years. Upon its release, it was the world’s first twin-aisle and double-deck commercial aircraft.
“At 250 ft 2 in (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service,” said Boeing in a statement.
“At typical cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels roughly the length of three FIFA soccer fields or NFL football fields per second.”
Boeing started producing the 747 in 1967 after Pan Am requested a jet 2.5 times the size of the 707 to reduce its seat costs. Joe Sutter then went on to design the 747, which became the first twin-aisle airliner (and the first to be dubbed a “Jumbo Jet”). Boeing produced 1,574 aircraft, many of us have flown on one over the decades.
“For over half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come,” said Kim Smith (Opens in a new window), Boeing Vice President and general manager of 747 and 767 Programs.
The final 747 to roll off the production line is also the largest model. The 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service (250.2 feet/76.2 meters), and the last can carry 133.1 Tonnes of payload. Boeing points out that’s the equivalent of 10,699 solid-gold bars or 19 million golf balls.