The 747 was the world’s first twin-aisle aircraft; the first aircraft took to the air in 1970. Its production started in 1967. A total of 1,574 aircraft of this type were made.
“For more than half a century, tens of thousands of Boeing employees have helped design and build this extraordinary aircraft that truly changed the world,” Boeing said in a statement. “We are proud that this aircraft will be flying around the world for years to come.”
At 76.2 meters, the 747-8 version is the longest airplane in commercial use to date. “At cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels approximately the length of three football or soccer fields per second,” says Boeing.
The cargo version of the 747-8 is the last to be assembled at the factory. That device can carry the equivalent of 10,699 gold bars, or 19 million golf balls, in one go.
