The end of an era: Boeing makes delivery of final ever 747 Jumbo Jet

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boeing has made delivery of its final ever 747, the iconic jumbo jet nicknamed Queen of the Skies. open image in gallery An image of Boeing Engineer Joe Sutter, known as the ‘father of the 747’ An illustration on the side of the final jumbo jet honours Joe Sutter, the original 747’s chief engineer. You’re part of something big, and it’s still big, even if this is the last one.” open image in gallery Desi Evans, 92, talks about working on the first 747 over 50 years ago The ceremony took place in the company’s factory north of Seattle, where guests bid farewell to the last giant jet as it was delivered to Atlas Air for use as a cargo plane. “Nobody wants a four-engine airliner anymore, but that doesn’t erase the tremendous contribution the aircraft made to the development of the industry or its remarkable legacy.” The first 747 started flying Pan Am’s New York-London route in 1970; the final US commercial airline to use it was Delta, with the last service operating in 2017.