Boeing rolls out its last 747
Image courtesy Boeing / Photo: Paul Weatherman
"For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come," said Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President and general manager, 747 and 767 Programs.
The 747 has played a key role in Boeing's history of advances in the aerospace sector. Production of the 747, the world's first twin-aisle airplane, began in 1967 and spanned 54 years, during which a total of 1,574 airplanes were built.
Boeing built its Everett facility specifically to produce the 747 jumbo jet. It paved the way for the 767, 777 and the 787 Dreamliner. Over 150,000 people visit the Everett Site each year to see how widebody jets are produced.
At 250 ft 2 in (76.2 m), the 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft in service. At typical cruising speeds, the 747-8 travels roughly the length of three FIFA soccer fields or NFL football fields, per second.
The final airplane is a 747-8 Freighter. This model has a revenue payload of 133.1 tonnes, enough to transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls.
