Undisputed ‘Queen of the Skies’, the Boeing 747, upon its launch in 1970, showed the world the true meaning of high-capacity airliners, complimented by a legendary signature shape that made it the crown jewel of any major carrier, although with the rise of Airbus and the advent of newer designs of smaller size but greater range, the Queen may be losing her grip somewhat.
Heading out for an evening flight to the Iranian capital of Tehran from Frankfurt is Lufthansa Boeing 747-430 D-ABVO, demonstrating the classic lines of the 747 in spectacular fashion.
D-ABVO was delivered to Lufthansa in May 1996 under serial number 28086, and goes under the name of Mülheim a.d. Ruhr, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.
Perhaps one of my fondest loves and the reason why I adore aviation in all its forms is due to the magnificent 747. The aircraft, while based on comparatively simple principles, is a living, breathing testament to what we humans can achieve when we put our minds to it. To get 500 passengers, several tonnes of cargo and fuel, over a million moving parts and four massive engines off the ground and cover a distance of over 10,000 miles at a height of 35,000 feet is no small achievement by any means, but the fact that it can be done several times a week is just astonishing. The plane is a classic by every definition of the word and deserves its place in history.
Departing with Flight 9 to New York John F. Kennedy International is Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 747-41R G-VWOW, delivered to the airline in October 2001 under serial number 32745, and goes by the name of Cosmic Girl.
Departing with Flight 179 to New York JFK International is British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-CIVV, delivered in May 1998 under serial number 25819.
On its way skyward, this unidentified British Airways Boeing 747-400 breaks through the low clouds, leaving a prominent trail of mist and vapour in its wake.
Clawing skywards with Flight 219 to Denver is British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-CIVU, delivered to the company in April 1998 under serial number 25810.
Climbing away with Flight 203 to Boston Logan International is British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-BNLV, delivered to the company in February 1992 under serial number 25427.
