Gallery: The Boeing 747’s Exit From European Fleets

James Pozzi October 16, 2021

Corsair's 747 Fleet: An Immediate COVID-19 Aircraft Casualty

Credit: Olivier Cabaret

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, French leisure carrier Corsair International retired its remaining Boeing 747 fleet one year ahead of schedule.

British Airways Retires Last 747s In 2020

Credit: Rob Finlayson

Owing to the pandemic, British Airways accelerated the planned retirement of its entire fleet of Boeing 747s in summer 2020. The remaining 12 747 aircraft were originally due for retirement in 2024 by BA. The final flight took place in October last year.

KLM Retires Final Three 747s

Credit: Joe Pries

Dutch carrier KLM phased out its final three Boeing 747s in October 2020.

Lufthansa Plans 747 Phase Out

Credit: Ron Finlayson

Lufthansa still operates 27 Boeing 747 aircraft - making it Europe's largest commercial operator of the jumbo jet. However, it announced a new fleet strategy in March 2021 which will eventually see aircraft including the 747 phased out this decade. As part of the plan, it will likely retire the 747, along with another four-engine aircraft in the A380, by no later than 2025.

Continuing As A Cargo Aircraft

The 747 will have longevity as a cargo aircraft. The largest European operator of the 747 freighter is Luxembourg-based Cargolux, which operates 30 aircraft.

The iconic jumbo jet has been retired at greater speed over the past 18 months as cost-conscious airlines look to both downsize and renew their fleets.

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's MRO Editor EMEA, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.

Comments

1 Comment
andreoj
Fri, 10/29/2021 - 13:03
This should be no surprise to anyone. Today's safety couscous flyers just short of a panic attack the idea of boarding an airplane of this size. Having to go in harms way sitting with a great number of people makes no sense. One year early parking the 747 was a necessary move due to the C-19 pandemic. Smaller airplanes less operational cost due to smaller passenger loads.