Air India’s Famous Boeing 747, Known as Queen of the Skies, Retires with Elegance

Air India’s iconic Boeing 747, known for its service to VVIPs, including Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Vice-Presidents, took its final flight out of Mumbai’s international airport. This marked the end of an era for the long-haul international flight jet, often referred to as the queen of the skies. The aircraft’s journey is now directed towards Panefield in the US, where it is anticipated to be dismantled and stripped for parts.

A total of four Air India Boeing 747s were in service, with the last one ceasing operations four years ago. Pilots conducting the jet’s final flight honored the occasion with a “Wing Wave,” a traditional aviation gesture reserved for retiring or concluding flights. The retirement of the 747s aligns with the global trend of airlines replacing these planes with newer, more efficient models.

Air India’s first Boeing 747 was received on March 22, 1971, marking an important milestone for the airline. The four Boeing 747-400 airplanes have reportedly been acquired by US-based AerSale, known for supplying aftermarket commercial jet engines and parts. The last time Air India operated flights using the 747s was in 2021, after which they were stationed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.