Air India’s ‘Queen Of The Sky’ Took Its Last Flight, This Aircraft Was Very Special In Many Respects
Air India’s jumbo jet Boeing 747 aircraft is called the queen of the sky. This aircraft took its last flight yesterday. From President to Prime Minister used to travel in this plane. This is the end of an era for the iconic jumbo jet in the country. The airline has sold all 4 Boeing 747-400 aircraft to Aircel.
Boeing 747 farewell
New Delhi: Air India’s jumbo jet Boeing 747 aircraft, known as the queen of the sky, took its last flight from Mumbai International Airport on Monday. At 10.47 am, this huge Boeing 747 of Air India took off.The plane first tilted to the left and then to the right and then flew into the sky. It was no worry, this jumbo jet did a ‘wing wave’.It is a highly skilled maneuver performed to mark the pilot’s final flight or retirement of the aircraft. Air India is saying goodbye to its last 4 remaining Boeing 747 aircraft.From President to Prime Minister used to travel in this plane. This is the end of an era for the iconic jumbo jet in the country.The airline has sold all four Boeing 747-400 aircraft to Aircel, a US-headquartered aftermarket aircraft broker. In fact, with the industry moving towards more fuel-efficient aircraft, it was becoming uneconomic to continue operating these aircraft. Boeing stopped production of the wide-body airliner last year after 53 years.
Another plane will take off
On Monday, the first of the four jets took off from Agra to Mumbai airport, which was their base. According to industry sources, one more aircraft is expected to fly soon, while the other two aircraft are not in airworthy condition and will be dismantled for parts. Air India had appointed UK-based remarketing firm Skytec AIC to dispose of the jets, which were deregistered in 2022. According to aviation portal Aerotime, the four aircraft were purchased between 1993 and 1996.
Air India posted a video of Agra’s wings fluttering, along with the message: “Today, we say goodbye to our last ‘Queen of the Skies’, the B747, as it departs from Mumbai. The era of spectacular flights Thank you for your support. We will miss your wonderful presence.”
long history
Air India’s history with the B747 begins in April 1971. It had 16 first class seats and 40 business class seats. The first flight of this luxury aircraft took place on 9 February 1969. A variant of this aircraft, the Boeing VC-25, becomes the US President’s Air Force One aircraft. This plane is flown by three people together: the first is the captain, the second is the flight officer and the third is the flight engineer.
About The Boeing 747
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing Commercial Airplanes |
| Production Period | 1968 – 2023 |
| Engine Types | Pratt & Whitney JT9D, General Electric CF6, Rolls-Royce RB211 |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 366 passengers in three travel classes (typically ten-abreast economy seating) |
| Wing Sweep | 37.5 degrees |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.85 (490 knots; 900 km/h)
|
| Landing Gear | Four main landing gear legs with a four-wheel bogie each |
| Unique Feature | Partial double-deck design with a raised cockpit for potential conversion to a freighter |
| First Flight | February 9, 1969 |
| Entry into Service | January 22, 1970 (with Pan Am) |
| Notable Name | Nicknamed “Jumbo Jet” |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing Commercial Airplanes |
| Production Period | 1968 – 2023 |
| Engine Types | Pratt & Whitney JT9D, General Electric CF6, Rolls-Royce RB211 |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 366 passengers in three travel classes (typically ten-abreast economy seating) |
| Wing Sweep | 37.5 degrees |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.85 (490 knots; 900 km/h) |
| Landing Gear | Four main landing gear legs with a four-wheel bogie each |
| Unique Feature | Partial double-deck design with a raised cockpit for potential conversion to a freighter |
| First Flight | February 9, 1969 |
| Entry into Service | January 22, 1970 (with Pan Am) |
| Notable Name | Nicknamed “Jumbo Jet” |
