January 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone in aviation history: the 55th anniversary of the first commercial flight of the Boeing 747. Affectionately known as the “Queen of the Skies,” this majestic jumbo jet revolutionized air travel and captured the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. While many airlines have retired their 747 fleets in favor of more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the question remains: Who Still Flies The 747 for passenger service in 2025? The answer might surprise you, as this iconic aircraft continues to grace the skies with a select few airlines.
To truly appreciate the current status of the Boeing 747, it’s essential to understand its remarkable journey and the impact it has had on global travel. From its ambitious beginnings to its enduring legacy, the 747 story is one of innovation, vision, and a touch of audacity.
A Look Back at the 747’s Glorious History
The genesis of the Boeing 747 was a bold gamble by Boeing. In the 1960s, air travel was becoming increasingly popular, and Boeing’s 707 had already established itself as a successful jet airliner. However, Boeing, under the leadership of William Allen, foresaw a future where even larger aircraft would be needed to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and to reduce per-seat operating costs. This vision was shared by Juan Trippe, the president of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), who challenged Boeing to build a plane that was significantly larger than anything in the sky at the time.
The Vision and the Bet
The conversation between Trippe and Allen, as recounted in a Northwestern University Library article, was remarkably straightforward. Trippe declared, “If you’ll build it, I’ll buy it,” to which Allen responded, “If you buy it, I’ll build it.” This simple exchange sealed a deal that would reshape the aviation landscape. In 1966, Pan Am placed an order for 25 Boeing 747s, each costing $20 million – a substantial investment at the time.
The Iconic Design and Features
The Boeing 747 was revolutionary in numerous ways. It was the first “wide-body” aircraft, featuring two aisles running the length of the cabin, a design that significantly increased passenger capacity and comfort. The original 747-100 could seat around 366 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, but could accommodate up to 550 in a high-density layout. Its distinctive “hump,” or upper deck, became an iconic feature, initially envisioned as a lounge area and later often used for premium cabins. Reaching this upper deck via a spiral staircase added to the allure and novelty of the 747 experience. Airlines transformed the upper deck into exclusive spaces, such as Japan Airlines’ “Tea House in the Sky,” United Airlines’ “Red Carpet Room,” and TWA’s “Penthouse Lounge,” even featuring piano bars on some aircraft, adding a touch of glamour to air travel.
The First Flight and Early Days
The inaugural commercial flight of the Boeing 747 took place on January 22, 1970. Operated by Pan Am, the flight, Pan Am Flight 1, was scheduled to fly from New York’s JFK to London Heathrow on January 21st. However, a last-minute engine issue caused a delay. Boeing quickly substituted the original aircraft with another, christened “Clipper Young America,” and the historic flight finally departed in the early hours of January 22nd. Despite the initial hiccup, the 747 quickly became a symbol of air travel and technological prowess.
Who Still Flies the 747 in 2025?
Despite its age and the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft, the Boeing 747 continues to operate passenger flights with four airlines in 2025. These airlines recognize the unique appeal of the “Queen of the Skies” and cater to passengers who appreciate its spaciousness and iconic status.
Lufthansa: The Largest Passenger Operator
Lufthansa stands out as the world’s largest passenger operator of the Boeing 747. The German flag carrier has a long history with the 747, having received its first model in April 1970. As of 2025, Lufthansa operates a fleet of 27 Boeing 747s, including the advanced 747-8 variant. Passengers looking to experience the 747 can find Lufthansa flying these majestic jets on long-haul routes from Frankfurt to major destinations like New York, Washington-Dulles, Miami, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Singapore, Beijing, and Shanghai. Lufthansa’s commitment to the 747 makes it arguably the best option for travelers specifically seeking to fly on this iconic aircraft.
Korean Air: A Farewell on the Horizon?
Korean Air is another prominent airline still operating the Boeing 747 for passenger flights. The South Korean flag carrier has been flying 747 variants since 1973 and currently operates the 747-8. However, Korean Air is reportedly phasing out its 747 passenger fleet, with plans to retire them by 2031, possibly sooner. In March 2025, Korean Air is expected to discontinue its longest 747 route, Seoul to Atlanta, replacing it with the more efficient Boeing 777-300ER. While Korean Air continues to fly the 747 to destinations like New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore, the window to fly a Korean Air 747 is likely closing. Interestingly, Korean Air recently sold five of its 747-8s to Sierra Nevada Corporation, which will be repurposed for military applications, including potentially as the next generation “Doomsday Plane” or E-4B Nightwatch.
Air China: Domestic and International Giant
Air China, the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, also continues to operate the Boeing 747. With a fleet of nine 747s, including the 747-8 model, Air China utilizes these aircraft extensively on domestic routes, such as the busy Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Shenzhen corridors. For international travelers, Air China offers a unique opportunity to fly the 747-8 on its non-stop service between Beijing (PEK) and New York (JFK), operating four times a week. This route represents one of the few remaining transatlantic 747 passenger services outside of Lufthansa.
Rossiya: Eastern Routes and Uncertainties
Rossiya Airlines, a division of Russian carrier Aeroflot, is the fourth airline on the list of current Boeing 747 passenger operators. Rossiya operates older 747-400 models, primarily on routes within Russia. While Rossiya has scheduled a significant number of 747 flights in 2025, these are concentrated in Eastern Russia, connecting Moscow with cities like Sochi, Khabarovsk, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Due to geopolitical factors, including sanctions and safety concerns, Western travelers may find it less appealing or feasible to fly with Rossiya. Furthermore, reports indicate that Russian airlines are facing challenges in maintaining their fleets due to sanctions impacting access to spare parts.
The 747’s Enduring Appeal and Cargo Role
While passenger operations of the Boeing 747 are dwindling, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in air cargo. Major cargo carriers like UPS and Atlas Air rely heavily on the 747 for its immense cargo capacity and long-range capabilities. The freighter versions of the 747 are expected to remain in service for years to come, ensuring that the “Queen of the Skies” will continue to contribute to global trade and logistics.
Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in the Sky
The Boeing 747’s 55-year journey in commercial aviation is a testament to its groundbreaking design and lasting impact. While passenger versions are becoming rarer, the “Queen of the Skies” is not yet ready to relinquish her crown entirely. For aviation enthusiasts and travelers seeking to experience the unique charm of the 747, Lufthansa, Air China, and Korean Air (for a limited time) offer opportunities to fly on this legendary aircraft in 2025. As airlines modernize their fleets, the number of passenger 747s will inevitably decrease, making each flight on this jumbo jet an increasingly special and nostalgic experience. The era of the passenger 747 may be approaching its twilight, but its legacy as an aviation icon is firmly etched in the sky.
