Boeing 747 operational history
Summary
The Boeing 747 has been in service with various commercial and government operators since its introduction in 1970. Historically, it was the primary long-haul aircraft of various airlines until changes in aircraft design trends and industry dynamics led to the gradual phase-out of 747 fleets in passenger operations. Today, the 747 is more commonly used by cargo carriers and government sectors.
Originally created by ChonkyTomcat
6/3/2026, 2:21:44 AM
Modified
6/10/2026, 11:04:34 AM
Recent revisions
added info and source on low-cost 747 operations of Virgin
/* Other operators */ SP paragraph
/* Other operators */ details on SP
/* Passenger operators */ info on SAA and transpac 747 operations
/* Passenger operators */ page numbers corrected and specific range on SP section
/* Passenger operators */ hyperlink
/* United States */ development of SP
/* United States Air Force */ added paragraph on VC-25
/* Iran */ citation sequence
/* Other operators */ citation for Iranian sanctions
/* Other operators */ placement of paragraph about the last 747-100s
/* Other operators */ info on 747-100Bs and paragraphs pacing
/* Other operators */ simplified sentence
/* Other operators */ simplified explanation
/* United States */ phrasing
/* United States */ info on Braniff
/* United States */ phrasing and clarification on Braniff 747s
/* United States */ added info on fate of undelivered Braniff 747s
/* Other operators */ clarification
/* Other operators */ removed repetitive word in same sentence
