If there is one aircraft type that symbolizes commercial aviation, it is Boeing’s 747. Since the first 747-100 entered service in January 1970 (see the historic video at the end of this post), the manufacturer has delivered over 1,500 747s in several variants, up to and including the current offering, the 747-8. Today we start a three-part look at the future of this iconic aircraft.
For ordinary citizens the world over, the 747’s distinctive shape made it instantly recognizable. For travelers, it changed the flying experience. Further, unlike most other commercial aircraft, it was designed, from day one, with freight in mind. In the forty-six years since the first 747-100 left the ground in Pan Am livery, over 500 747 freighters have been built or converted.
Source: aircargoworld