Aviation Event – United Airlines Boeing 747 Service Flies West

United Airliners retired their 747 fleet from service on November 7, 2017.  Hayman Tam was at SFO to witness the last revenue departure and guest reports for GAR.

With a thundering roar, the last revenue flight of a United Airlines Boeing 747 lifted off runway 28R at San Francisco International Airport and flew West, both figuratively and navigationally.  The aptly named one-way flight “UA747” was bound for Honolulu, recreating United’s inaugural flight with their first 747-100 back on July 23, 1970.  The original United 747 aircraft that first made this journey was named the “Friend Ship,” and the aircraft on this farewell flight had the same name emblazoned on each side.

The unmistakable shape of the 747-400 – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

Push back for the last revenue flight – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

Gear up – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

A fanfest of sorts was held at SFO, with United CEO Oscar Munoz and executives from Boeing and Pratt & Whitney on hand to greet the passengers and partake in the pre-flight celebrations at the departure gate.  Passengers included United employees, media, aviation enthusiasts and several high mileage travellers including one that would exceed 19M miles on this flight.

Ramp personnel gathered nearby as the big plane was pushed back and bid farewell to the Queen of the Skies.  An SFO-sponsored planespotting event drew a sizable group (including the author), watching from the top of a nearby parking structure.  We met two teenagers from Portland who played hooky and travelled down just for one last look at a United 747.

The 47 years of service with United undoubtedly holds memories for many, after December there will be no passenger 747s with any U.S. carrier.  With its upper-deck contours, this iconic design has been one of the most recognizable aircraft in the skies for many generations.

United’s fleet of 747 aircraft numbered 88 in total.

On September 30, 1968, the first 747 was unveiled at the Boeing’s Everett, WA facility before the world and representatives of the 26 launch customers (including United).  As soon as it entered service, the 747 set aircraft size and passenger capacity records that would be held for 37 years, only to relinquish both to the Airbus A380.  

As of September 2017, 1,536 of these aircraft have been built, with production geared towards the 747-8 freighters remaining on order.  With 694 deliveries, the 747-400 would be the most common model in use around the world.

SFO, for so long the home of a large fleet of United 747s – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

Ground crew say farewell – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

Joining the line taxiing for departure one last time – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

The 747 remains in service with a number of U.S. cargo carriers including Atlas Air, Kalitta Air, and UPS.  Internationally, British Airways, Lufthansa and Korean Air Lines are among those still flying the passenger versions.  Twin-engine wide-bodied aircraft such as Boeing’s 787 and 777 and the Airbus A350 are the preferred aircraft selected by airlines looking for long-haul aircraft to replace the 747. Not only are they more economical to operate, they can carry almost as many passengers and fly even further.

United Mileage Plus members can bid on 747 hardware souvenirs such as cockpit instruments, tail number cutouts, a row of seats, or an actual window.

Coverage of the departure was all across the airport – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

The last revenue climb out – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

Off to Honolulu, just like the first flight – © Hayman Tam – Global Aviation Resource

United Airlines Boeing 747 Timeline: