The Boeing 747, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Skies,” is an aviation icon that redefined air travel. As of January 22, 2025, marking its 55th anniversary of commercial flight, this graceful giant still commands attention. While newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft have emerged, it’s astonishing to discover that a significant number of Boeing 747s remain operational. But just how many 747s are still flying in 2025, and where can you still see this majestic jumbo jet?
The answer might surprise you. Despite being a design that’s decades old, over 400 Boeing 747s are still in service worldwide. This number is particularly impressive when contrasted with the Airbus A380, a much younger superjumbo jet, of which only 251 were ever produced. The enduring presence of the 747 speaks volumes about its versatility and lasting impact on aviation.
A Look Back: The Dawn of the Jumbo Jet
The Boeing 747’s inaugural commercial flight took place on January 22, 1970, a landmark journey from New York’s JFK to London Heathrow, operated by Pan Am. This flight, initially planned for January 21st but delayed due to technical issues, carried 335 passengers and 20 crew members, ushering in a new era of mass air travel.
A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8, one of the latest variants, landing in Mexico City, illustrating the continued operation of the 747.
The development of the 747 was a bold move by Boeing. Building upon the success of the 707, the first commercially successful jet airliner, Boeing envisioned a much larger aircraft to cater to the burgeoning demand for air travel. The 707, while revolutionary, had a capacity of around 140 to 189 passengers and a range of 5700 miles. Boeing recognized the need for a plane that could carry significantly more passengers and fly longer distances, thus reducing per-seat operating costs for airlines.
The original Boeing 747-100 was a game-changer. It doubled passenger capacity compared to its predecessors, accommodating 366 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, and boasted a range exceeding 6000 miles. It was the first wide-body aircraft, featuring two aisles, and earned the iconic moniker “Jumbo Jet.” The distinctive upper deck, accessed by a spiral staircase, became synonymous with luxury air travel, housing exclusive lounges like the “Tea House in the Sky” on Japan Airlines and the “Red Carpet Room” on United Airlines.
Passenger 747s in 2025: A Select Few
While many airlines that once championed the 747, such as Pan Am, TWA, and Northwest, are no longer in operation, a handful of airlines continue to fly passenger versions of this legendary aircraft in 2025. These are:
- Lufthansa: The German flag carrier stands out as the largest operator of passenger Boeing 747s, with 27 aircraft in its fleet. Lufthansa has a long history with the 747, receiving its first in 1970, and continues to deploy them on long-haul routes from Frankfurt to major international destinations like New York, Washington-Dulles, Miami, San Francisco, Singapore, and cities in South America and Asia.
The aircrew of the historic first commercial Boeing 747 flight, highlighting the early days of this iconic aircraft.
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Korean Air: The South Korean airline operates 10 of the advanced Boeing 747-8 models. While Korean Air is gradually phasing out its 747s, replacing them with more efficient aircraft like the 777EIR, they still operate 747s on key routes to New York, Singapore, and Los Angeles. However, they ceased operating their longest 747 route to Atlanta in March 2025.
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Air China: The flag carrier of China has a fleet of nine 747s. Air China primarily utilizes its 747s for domestic routes within China, such as Beijing-Shanghai, but also operates a prestigious international route with the 747-8 between Beijing and New York (JFK) four times a week.
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Rossiya Airlines: This Russian carrier, a division of Aeroflot, reportedly operates older Boeing 747-400 models. Rossiya’s 747 flights are mainly concentrated within Russia, connecting Moscow to destinations in far Eastern Russia. Due to current geopolitical situations, these flights do not extend to Europe or the Americas.
The Cargo King: 747s in Freight Service
Beyond passenger travel, the Boeing 747 has become a workhorse in the cargo industry. Its massive size and payload capacity make it ideally suited for transporting freight across the globe. Major cargo operators like UPS and Atlas Air rely heavily on the 747 for their operations. This continued demand in the cargo sector is a significant reason for the high number of 747s still flying. For international packages, the chances of being transported by a 747 are notably higher than for passengers seeking to fly on one.
The sheer size difference between the Boeing 747 and its predecessor, the 707, emphasizing the 747’s revolutionary capacity.
The Future of the Queen
While the production of new Boeing 747s has ended, with the last 747-8 delivered in 2023, the existing fleet is expected to remain in service for years to come, particularly in cargo operations. For passenger flights, opportunities to experience the “Queen of the Skies” are becoming more limited as airlines modernize their fleets. Korean Air received the final passenger version of the 747-8 in 2017, signaling a gradual shift away from passenger 747s.
However, for aviation enthusiasts and travelers seeking a nostalgic flight experience, airlines like Lufthansa and Air China still offer the chance to fly on a Boeing 747. If flying on this iconic jumbo jet is on your bucket list, planning a trip in 2025 with these carriers might be your best opportunity before passenger 747 operations become even rarer.
In conclusion, the answer to “how many 747s are still flying?” is a testament to the aircraft’s remarkable longevity and versatility. With over 400 still operational in 2025, the Boeing 747 continues to grace the skies, carrying both passengers and cargo across the globe, securing its legacy as the undisputed “Queen of the Skies” for years to come.
An Air China Boeing 747-8 landing at JFK, showcasing one of the airlines still operating passenger versions of the 747.
A US Air Force E-4B Nightwatch, based on the Boeing 747 platform, highlighting another critical role of the 747 beyond commercial aviation.
A Korean Air Boeing 747 preparing for takeoff, representing one of the few remaining airlines offering passenger 747 flights.
