Over the past few years, the Boeing 747 — the original “jumbo jet” — has been disappearing from the skies. And airlines have been holding elaborate ceremonies as they say goodbye to the iconic aircraft.
The double-decker aircraft became emblematic of a time of American prosperity when it premiered in 1970. But as U.S. airlines retire their 747 fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient planes, it’s the end of an era. (Although some international airlines still have the aircraft in service.)
Last month, Delta announced its Boeing 747’s final flights. However, the airline announced on Tuesday that the aircraft will make one more unexpected flight, “due to operational need,” according to the airline. For those who missed their chance to say goodbye to the 747, this is an unexpected opportunity.
Instead of finishing service on December 17, the 747 will make one additional flight between Detroit and Seoul-Incheon airports, returning to the United States on December 19. Economy-class seats on this last flight are available from $1,095, according to Delta search results. Delta One suites are available from $4,472. (Premium select seats are sold out.)
The aircraft will then embark on an “employee farewell tour” from Detroit to Seattle to Atlanta to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The plane has already been commissioned for charter flights through December 31. In early 2018, it will make its final flight to its resting place in Arizona.
United’s final 747 made its final flight on November 7, then gave aviation enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of history by auctioning off parts from the fleet
The double-decker aircraft became emblematic of a time of American prosperity when it premiered in 1970. But as U.S. airlines retire their 747 fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient planes, it’s the end of an era. (Although some international airlines still have the aircraft in service.)
Last month, Delta announced its Boeing 747’s final flights. However, the airline announced on Tuesday that the aircraft will make one more unexpected flight, “due to operational need,” according to the airline. For those who missed their chance to say goodbye to the 747, this is an unexpected opportunity.
Instead of finishing service on December 17, the 747 will make one additional flight between Detroit and Seoul-Incheon airports, returning to the United States on December 19. Economy-class seats on this last flight are available from $1,095, according to Delta search results. Delta One suites are available from $4,472. (Premium select seats are sold out.)
The aircraft will then embark on an “employee farewell tour” from Detroit to Seattle to Atlanta to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The plane has already been commissioned for charter flights through December 31. In early 2018, it will make its final flight to its resting place in Arizona.
United’s final 747 made its final flight on November 7, then gave aviation enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of history by auctioning off parts from the fleet