Summary Several airlines still operate US-bound flights with the Boeing 747 due to its capacity and range. Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China prioritize 747 operations to meet high-demand routes efficiently. The 747's cargo space, history, and capacity uphold its prestige and make it valuable for long-haul flights.
In the age of sleek, efficient twin-engine jets, one might think the era of the Boeing 747, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Skies," is over. However, despite the advent of modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, several airlines continue to operate US-bound passenger flights with the venerable Boeing 747. This article explores the airlines that still fly this iconic aircraft, their routes, and why the 747 remains an enduring presence in the skies.
The grandeur of the 747 The Boeing 747 was introduced in 1969, revolutionizing air travel with its unprecedented size and range. Its distinctive humpbacked silhouette and upper deck lounge became symbols of luxury and innovation. Over the decades, the 747 family has seen multiple iterations, from the original 747-100 to the more advanced 747-8 Intercontinental.
While many airlines have retired their fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient models, the 747 still holds a special place in aviation history. The early Boeing 747 spiral staircase mirrored the earlier Boeing 377, symbolizing a Gold Age of flying. Lufthansa Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier, is one of the staunchest supporters of the Boeing 747.
The airline operates both the 747-400 and the newer 747-8 on various international routes, including several to the United States. The data indicates that Lufthansa operates 434 flights per month with the 747, covering routes to cities such as New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX). With 159,054 seats available and an average of 366.
5 seats per departure, Lufthansa's 747 operations are significant. The airline's decision to maintain the 747 in its fleet is partly due to the aircraft's capacity and range. The 747-8 can carry up to 364 passengers and offers ample cargo space, making it ideal for high-demand routes.
Moreover, Lufthansa has invested in modernizing the interiors of its 747s, ensuring a competitive and comfortable passenger experience. Have you flown on a US-bound 747 recently? Tell us about your experience in the comments! According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, these are Lufthansa's US-bound Boeing 747 operations: Orig Dest Ops Seats Seats/Dep ASMs EWR FRA 31 11,298 364.5 43,723,260 FRA EWR 31 11,298 364.
5 43,723,260 FRA IAH 31 11,501 371.0 60,173,232 IAH FRA 31 11,501 371.0 60,173,232 FRA JFK 31 11,501 371.
0 44,347,348 JFK FRA 31 11,501 371.0 44,347,348 FRA LAX 31 11,284 364.0 65,514,496 LAX FRA 31 11,284 364.
0 65,514,496 FRA MIA 31 11,284 364.0 54,535,572 MIA FRA 31 11,284 364.0 54,535,572 FRA ORD 31 11,375 366.
9 49,413,168 ORD FRA 31 11,375 366.9 49,413,168 FRA SFO 31 11,284 364.0 64,307,516 SFO FRA 31 11,284 364.
0 64,307,516 Ten airlines have operated the A380 and B747, with some still flying both giants to this day. Korean Air Korean Air, another staunch operator of the Boeing 747, uses the 747-8 for its transpacific routes to the United States. The data shows that Korean Air operates 180 flights per month, with the 747 servicing routes from Seoul (ICN) to cities like Atlanta (ATL), Honolulu (HNL), and New York (JFK).
The airline offers 66,240 seats on these flights, averaging 368 seats per departure. The airline recently resumed services to the UK with the 747. For Korean Air, the 747-8 is not just a workhorse but a symbol of prestige.
The airline's long-standing relationship with the 747 series reflects its commitment to offering passengers a blend of tradition and modernity. The aircraft's significant cargo capacity supports Korean Air's robust logistics operations, making it a versatile asset in its fleet. According to Cirium, Korean Air's US-bound Boeing 747 operations: Orig Dest Ops Seats Seats/Dep ASMs ATL ICN 31 11,408 368.
0 81,601,424 HNL ICN 25 9,200 368.0 42,108,400 ICN ATL 31 11,408 368.0 81,601,424 ICN HNL 25 9,200 368.
0 42,108,400 JFK ICN 34 12,512 368.0 86,420,384 ICN JFK 34 12,512 368.0 86,420,384 The freed-up equipment will be flown to Singapore instead.
Air China Air China continues to operate the Boeing 747 8 on routes between Beijing (PEK) and New York (JFK) . According to the data, Air China operates 44 flights per month on this route, providing 16,060 seats with an average of 365 seats per departure. The 747-8 serves Air China well on this long-haul route due to its large capacity and range.
The airline ensures passengers experience a comfortable journey by equipping the aircraft with modern amenities and services. The substantial cargo capacity of the 747-8 also supports Air China's logistics and freight operations, adding to the aircraft's versatility. According to Cirium, Air China's US-bound Boeing 747 operations: Orig Dest Ops Seats Seats/Dep ASMs JFK PEK 22 8,030 365.
0 54,909,140 PEK JFK 22 8,030 365.0 54,909,140 Now only New York JFK is down to see its passenger 747s this summer. The appeal of the Boeing 747 Why do these airlines continue to operate the Boeing 747 despite the availability of newer, more efficient aircraft? Several factors contribute to the 747's enduring presence: Capacity : The 747's ability to carry many passengers makes it ideal for high-demand routes, reducing the need for multiple flights and optimizing airport slot utilization.
Range : The 747's long-range capabilities allow airlines to operate non-stop flights on transcontinental and transpacific routes, offering convenience and reducing passenger travel time. Cargo : The 747's substantial cargo space is invaluable for airlines that rely on freight revenue. The aircraft can transport significant cargo alongside passengers, maximizing operational efficiency.
Nostalgia and Prestige : For many travelers, the 747 evokes a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Its iconic design and legacy as a pioneer of long-haul travel adds an element of prestige to the airlines that operate it. The Boeing 747, despite the rise of newer aircraft, continues to soar the skies, connecting continents and carrying passengers across the globe.
Airlines like Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China recognize the value and heritage of the 747, ensuring that the "Queen of the Skies" remains a familiar and beloved sight. As long as routes demand its unique capabilities, the Boeing 747 is not dead yet—its legacy endures, promising many more years of majestic flights..
