The Boeing 747, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Skies,” marked its 55th anniversary of commercial flight on January 22, 2025. This iconic jumbo jet, a symbol of air travel’s golden age, continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike. While many airlines have retired their 747 fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient aircraft, a select few operators still offer passenger flights on this magnificent plane. Let’s explore What Airlines Still Fly The 747 in 2025 and where you can experience the magic of this legendary aircraft.
The journey of the Boeing 747 began on January 22, 1970, with a Pan Am flight from New York to London. This inaugural flight, carrying 335 passengers and 20 crew members, ushered in a new era of mass air travel. The 747 was revolutionary, boasting double the capacity of its predecessor, the Boeing 707, and introducing the world to the concept of wide-body aircraft with twin aisles.
The development of the 747 was a bold gamble for Boeing, driven by the vision of increased passenger demand and the need to reduce per-seat operating costs. Pan Am’s visionary president, Juan Trippe, played a crucial role, famously telling Boeing President William Allen, “If you’ll build it, I’ll buy it.” This pivotal agreement led to the creation of an aircraft that would define air travel for decades. Over 1,500 Boeing 747s were built, and remarkably, over 400 are still in operation today, a testament to its enduring design.
While passenger versions are becoming rarer, four airlines stand out as the primary operators of the Boeing 747 for passenger service in 2025: Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China, and Rossiya.
Lufthansa: The Largest Passenger 747 Operator
Lufthansa, the German flag carrier, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest passenger operator of the Boeing 747. With a fleet of 27 Boeing 747s, including the advanced 747-8 model, Lufthansa has a long and storied history with the jumbo jet, dating back to April 1970. For travelers seeking a guaranteed 747 experience, Lufthansa is arguably the best choice.
Lufthansa deploys its 747s on numerous long-haul routes from its Frankfurt hub, connecting Europe with major destinations across the globe. You can find Lufthansa 747 flights to:
- North America: New York (JFK), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO), Mexico City (MEX).
- South America: Buenos Aires (EZE), São Paulo (GRU).
- Asia: Singapore (SIN), Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK).
- Africa: Johannesburg (JNB).
Lufthansa’s extensive 747 network offers ample opportunities for passengers to fly on the Queen of the Skies and enjoy its spacious cabins and iconic upper deck.
Korean Air: A Farewell to the Jumbo Jet
Korean Air, the flag carrier of South Korea, is another significant operator of the Boeing 747. However, Korean Air is in the process of phasing out its 747 passenger fleet. While they continue to operate the 747-8 on select routes in 2025, the airline has announced plans to retire the Queen of the Skies from passenger service by 2031, if not sooner.
Currently, you may still find Korean Air Boeing 747-8 flights on routes such as:
- North America: New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX).
- Asia: Singapore (SIN).
Notably, Korean Air is discontinuing its Seoul (ICN) to Atlanta (ATL) 747 service in March 2025, replacing it with the more efficient Boeing 777EIR. For those hoping to fly Korean Air’s 747, it is advisable to book flights sooner rather than later, as opportunities are becoming limited.
Air China: Domestic and International 747 Flights
Air China, the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, operates a fleet of nine Boeing 747s, including the 747-8 variant. While Air China has a substantial number of 747 flights scheduled, the majority are domestic routes within China.
Air China’s 747 network is primarily focused on high-demand domestic routes such as:
- Beijing (PEK) to Shanghai (SHA).
- Beijing (PEK) to Shenzhen (SZX).
However, Air China also operates one international route with the Boeing 747-8:
- Beijing (PEK) to New York (JFK).
For travelers within China, Air China offers a good chance to experience the 747 on domestic flights. The Beijing-New York route provides an international option for those seeking a long-haul 747 experience with Air China.
Rossiya Airlines: 747s within Russia
Rossiya Airlines, a division of Aeroflot, is the fourth airline still operating passenger Boeing 747s. Rossiya’s fleet consists of older 747-400 models. However, due to geopolitical factors and sanctions, Rossiya’s 747 flights are limited to domestic routes within Russia.
Rossiya’s 747 flights primarily connect Moscow (VKO) with destinations in far eastern Russia, including:
- Sochi (AER).
- Khabarovsk Novy (KHV).
- Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (UUS).
For Western travelers, flying Rossiya 747s may present logistical and safety concerns due to current international circumstances and travel advisories regarding Russia.
The Future of the Queen
While passenger Boeing 747s are becoming increasingly rare, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in cargo operations. Airlines like UPS and Atlas Air rely heavily on the 747 for transporting freight around the world. This ensures that the iconic silhouette of the jumbo jet will remain in the skies for years to come, even if passenger services dwindle.
For aviation enthusiasts and travelers seeking to experience the Boeing 747 in passenger service, time is of the essence. Lufthansa offers the most extensive network and the newest 747-8 models. Korean Air, while phasing out its fleet, still provides opportunities on select routes. Air China offers a mix of domestic and limited international 747 flights. Rossiya’s operations are geographically restricted.
The 55-year legacy of the Boeing 747 is undeniable. It revolutionized air travel and remains an icon of aviation history. As you consider your future travel plans, seize the opportunity to fly on what airlines still fly the 747 and witness the grandeur of the Queen of the Skies before passenger versions become a relic of the past.
