On Tuesday, United Airlines had organized last flight for the 747 from San Francisco to Honolulu. To the applause of airport employees plane reached the end of the runway. However, to fly the plane prevented a malfunction of the air conditioning system. The flight had to be postponed for an hour.
Almost 50 years ago, United launched 747. But now, with the advent of more sophisticated models of the iron birds, the 747 is considered outdated.
Captains last flight was Tom Spratt and David Smith. Spratt has compared this event with the loss of a loved family member. Smith’s dad, the pilot of the 747, retired, says that still remembers his first flight, spiral staircases and comfortable sofas.
Here is a @united 747 #QueenOfTheSkies at Honolulu HNL in the 1970s. Aloha #UA747Farewell. Hawai’i will miss you! pic.twitter.com/Usvuut15GC
Hawaii Aviation (@HawaiiAviation) November 7, 2017
«747 at Honolulu international airport, 1970».
Dig a little history. In 1966, Pan Am Boeing proposed to build the largest aircraft of the time. Three years later, a wide-body 747 made its first flight. In 1970 he was commissioned and has caused incredible enthusiasm. Michael Lombardi, Boeing corporate historian, claimed: «Your airline wouldn’t be an airline if you didn’t have a 747». In the same year, the aircraft made its first flight from San Francisco to Honolulu. During the operation on Board was visited by presidents, world leaders, Popes and more than 1500 000 ordinary US citizens.
All the best to our friends at @united as they fly their final 747 flight. SFO-HNL. It truly was the #QueenOfTheSkies. #UA747Farewell pic.twitter.com/rTas67vvEf
— Pan Am (@FlyPanAm) November 7, 2017
«The last flight of the «King of air» from San Francisco to Honolulu».
Among his latest passengers — Henry Hartwell. «We say goodbye to the plane, which is the icon of air travel and represents commercial flights,» he said.
Today is the day. 👑 😭 🎉 ✈ this #somanyemotions #UA747Farewell pic.twitter.com/KLf3ATqoza
— United (@united) November 7, 2017
«Today is a great day.»
