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Boeing’s last 747 rolls out of Washington state factory
December 7, 2022 By Jon Robinson
The last Boeing 747 leaves the company’s widebody factory in advance of its delivery to Atlas Air in early 2023. (Photo: Boeing, Paul Weatherman) The last 747 on December 7 left Boeing’s widebody Washington state factory in advance of its delivery to Atlas Air in early 2023.
“For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world,” said Kim Smith, Boeing VP and General Manager, 747 and 767 Programs. “We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come.”
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The Boeing 747 would eventually take on the nickname of Queen of the Skies, as well as the Whale for its distinctive hump based on the original design to accommodate a second deck. (Photo: Boeing, Paul Weatherman)
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Boeing has built more than 1,573 747s since 1967. (Photo: Boeing, Paul Weatherman)
Production of the 747, the world’s first twin-aisle airplane, began in 1967 and spanned 54 years, during which a total of 1,574 airplanes were built.
At 250 feet and two inches (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service. Boeing notes that at typical cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels roughly the length of three FIFA soccer fields or NFL football fields, per second.
The final airplane for Atlas Air is a 747-8 Freighter. This model has a revenue payload of 133.1 tonnes, explains Boeing, enough to transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls.
