The Boeing 747 first took the skies in 1969 and transformed long-haul travel with its size, range, and passenger capacity. It opened new possibilities for international travel, but as airlines shifted to more efficient twin-engine aircraft under improved engine reliability and ETOPS standards, the quad jet gradually disappeared from passenger fleets. That said, the aircraft has not vanished from the skies entirely.

According to ch-aviation data, more than 350 remain in service across cargo, passenger, and VIP fleets. The majority of them are operated by cargo carriers. Only a handful of carriers continue scheduled passenger operations with the type. As of 2025, Lufthansa, Rossiya, Korean Air, and Air China are the remaining airlines offering passenger flights on the 747.

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