The Queen of the Skies will fly off into the sunset for its last leg of trips with United Airlines.
The airline is retiring the Boeing 747 on Nov. 7. The plane was known as the Queen of the Skies due to its size – 230 feet long with a wingspan of 211 feet – and iconic shape. The 747 is taking a farewell tour across the nation, visiting Denver International Airport, a United hub, on Oct. 26.
The plane will make its final flight on Nov. 7, from San Francisco to Honolulu. It made its debut with United on Nov. 1, 1970 making that same flight.
The airline is switching the 747 out for newer models, which are lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Dean McDavid, a pilot with the airline since 1989, said the plane was well-known throughout the industry. The size and luxury components made it ideal for long-distance flights, he said.
After flying 747s for 19 years, McDavid is sad to see them go.
“I’ve flown almost everything at United Airlines,” he said. “This thing is iconic. It’s probably the easiest plane I’ve ever flown.”
United will auction off seats from its remaining 747 planes. The aircrafts will be stored in the desert and likely used for parts.
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The Queen of the Skies will fly off into the sunset for its last leg of trips with United Airlines.
The airline is retiring the Boeing 747 on Nov. 7. The plane was known as the Queen of the Skies due to its size – 230 feet long with a wingspan of 211 feet – and iconic shape. The 747 is taking a farewell tour across the nation, visiting Denver International Airport, a United hub, on Oct. 26.
The plane will make its final flight on Nov. 7, from San Francisco to Honolulu. It made its debut with United on Nov. 1, 1970 making that same flight.
The airline is switching the 747 out for newer models, which are lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Dean McDavid, a pilot with the airline since 1989, said the plane was well-known throughout the industry. The size and luxury components made it ideal for long-distance flights, he said.
After flying 747s for 19 years, McDavid is sad to see them go.
“I’ve flown almost everything at United Airlines,” he said. “This thing is iconic. It’s probably the easiest plane I’ve ever flown.”
United will auction off seats from its remaining 747 planes. The aircrafts will be stored in the desert and likely used for parts.
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