45 years ago today, the first prototype Boeing 747 took the skies for the very first…

45 years ago today, the first prototype Boeing 747 took the skies for the very first time

During my lifetime, I've been fortunate to fly on 747s many times and It remains one of my favorite aircraft. Sadly, by the time the 747 gets to 50, it may no longer be in production and the number of passenger versions in service will likely be dwindling fast.

The current 747-8 has not sold well and Boeing has had to cut the production rate. Large twin-engine widebodies like 777 and Airbus A350 are so much more efficient that this pioneer aircraft is almost certainly entering the waning years of its service life.

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26 thoughts on “45 years ago today, the first prototype Boeing 747 took the skies for the very first…”

David Ford February 9, 2014 at 8:44 am

Boeing would need to improve some much on the 747 to create the same cabin experience and efficiency of the modern aircraft. I spent a large potion of my life on Qantas B747 400 flying from Sydney to Asia, USA and Europe but recently I have fallen in love with the A380 on those long 13 hr legs.

Tyffani Harvey February 9, 2014 at 9:06 am

Happy birthday 747!

Tyffani Harvey February 9, 2014 at 9:08 am

Happy 50th anniversary 747! Not birthday 🙂

Tyffani Harvey February 9, 2014 at 9:10 am

But I'm sad to be missing my old friend because they stop making them. 🙁

Kanchan Jung Tiwari February 9, 2014 at 10:23 am

Boeing 747 is a marvel in Aviation industry. Most identical and popular plane ever.

Bill Buse February 9, 2014 at 11:15 am

I have been fortunate to fly on some 747 flights. The one that was special for me was the time I flew on a 747SP from Tokyo Narita to SFO. The 747SP was a hotrod, compared to the other 747s at the time.

Nancy Baily February 9, 2014 at 11:49 am

I'm sure there are still some 50 year old planes flying out there.

g00dl00kinb0i February 9, 2014 at 12:12 pm

Nice, right now I'm working on a structural staircase on the Delta terminal extension @ JFK, I get to see all kinds of jets take-off, land & taxi for the whole day, the 747 is a like a Camaro,911 or a Mustang today – a legend and true classic !!!
50 years, wow…..can y'all imagine how modern it looked next to the classic airport trucks and vehicles.
But when the Airbus A380-800 comes in even a towering beast like the 747-400 looks small 🙂

g00dl00kinb0i February 9, 2014 at 12:13 pm

+Kanchan Jung Tiwari you mean, indentifiable 🙂

William Hall February 9, 2014 at 12:21 pm

Happy birthday 747 I ? U

Kanchan Jung Tiwari February 9, 2014 at 12:22 pm

+g00dl00kinb0i Thank you. I am not a native speaker. Thanks.

Roger Weber February 9, 2014 at 12:25 pm

It flew first on this day in 1969. I think that makes it 45 years.

Roger Weber February 9, 2014 at 12:27 pm

I lived near the factory. I have distinct memories of standing in our driveway watching it fly over with an F-86, Boeing's chase plane, next to it. ?I was 5 years old at the time.

henry david February 9, 2014 at 12:34 pm

No more 747? I didn't know that. What a shame.

Michael Roy February 9, 2014 at 12:59 pm

To the most majestic queen of the skies. Viva 47-8!