Earlier this week the final Boeing 747 left the assembly line in Seattle, Washington, marking the end of a glorious era in aviation. Over the last 54 years, 1,574 aircraft have continuously rolled off the production line. While many of these majestic aircraft will continue to fly for many years to come, the end of their production represents a sad moment for all who love this beautiful plane. I’ve penned a poem to commemorate the final 747 leaving the production line.
A Poem In Praise Of The 747
Herewith, I bid farewell to an old friend, the Queen of the Skies, the 747.
What could be more iconic than the Queen of the Skies,
Her unmistakable silhouette as she soared high?
I remember it like yesterday, my very first flight
Onboard that mighty Queen, always a perfect delight.
The cabin wide, the ceilings tall, it always felt so spacious
To fly onboard the mighty Queen, her takeoff e’re so gracious.
And then one day I climbed her stairs, my first time on the top
From Chicago to LA I flew, oh how I wish it did not stop!
Through the years I have flown the Queen on many worldwide routes
Yet never grown tired of her soaring wings nor given her beauty doubt.
Her spooling engines, count them four, are no longer in vogue
But forever hold a place in my heart, her beauty is not rogue.
Many colors have adorned her from carriers around the earth
But it’s not her wardrobe but her shape that gives her such great worth.
Her production may have come to an end, but the end is not yet here
For there are many years left in her life, you needn’t shed a tear.
But enjoy the 747 while you can, don’t neglect the chance to fly her
For you never know when carriers show a foolish choice to retire.
As for me, this I know, as Boeing shutters the plant,
I will never forget the lovely Queen, her glory we must grant.
> Read More: Historic Final 747 Flight On United Airlines From The Upper Deck (SFO-HNL)
image: Boeing
The Queen of the Skies, we’ll miss you bye-bye!
She bridged a time of elegant travel to what it is now. And a work horse she was. Seeing the Space Shuttle Discovery on her back low & slow over the beltway was a fantastic memory.
Greatest passenger aircraft of all time, yes?
Was lucky to fly a 744 (combi) before the world shut down. Still, I haven’t rode a premium cabin on this plane, and it looks like my only good option now is KE or LH
Lovely! Enjoyed it a lot. LH seems to be the best option to get on a 747. Can still see 6-7 active 747s in a row at Frankfurt. Good stuff.
Very nicely penned. I’ve only flown her three times so far, one just earlier this week in fact upstairs on Lufthansa FRA-ORD. Always a treat, she will forever retain her crown.
Who was the customer that is receiving the last 747?
Atlas Air (cargo)
I first flew an American Airlines 747 from Bermuda to JFK for Christmas leave in 1975 while in the US Navy. No jetways in Bermuda, I was able to walk up right next to it and climb the stairs while absorbing her engineering beauty up close! It left a big impression on me.
Majestic
Too bad Emirates did not order the 747 instead of the A-380, that would have shifted airline interest to the 747 as it is better suited for freight and more city pairs of routes.