Introduction to the Boeing 747 in the Modern Era
Since its introduction in 1970, the Boeing 747 has revolutionized long-haul air travel, famously becoming known as the ‘Queen of the Skies’. Over 1,500 units have been built, but with the rise of more fuel-efficient twinjets and the impact of the 2020 pandemic, the number of these iconic jumbos in passenger service has dwindled. As of 2025, the landscape of Boeing 747 operators has shifted predominantly towards cargo transport, with a few airlines still maintaining them in passenger service.
Current Operators of the Boeing 747
Atlas Air remains the leading operator with a robust fleet of 51 aircraft, primarily for cargo. This includes both the 747-400 and the newer 747-8 models. Following closely are UPS and Cargolux, focusing heavily on the 747-8 for their logistical operations. Despite the dominance of cargo flights, passenger services continue albeit on a smaller scale. As of 2025, there are 50 Boeing 747s in commercial passenger configurations, although only 39 are actively flying, as some undergo maintenance or remain grounded indefinitely.
Passenger Airlines Flying the Boeing 747 in 2025
The primary passenger operator is Lufthansa, which boasts the largest active fleet of Boeing 747s. They offer extensive connectivity, primarily through their hub in Frankfurt. Other airlines like Mahan Air operate the 747 on select domestic and occasional international routes. Despite reduced numbers, these carriers maintain the 747 due to its high capacity and range capabilities.
Prospective Flights and Routes in 2025
Lufthansa provides the most robust schedule for passenger flights on the Boeing 747, with options to fly to numerous global destinations via Frankfurt. Korean Air and Mahan Air also provide opportunities for flying on the 747, though their offerings are more limited and subject to change. Korean Air, notably, will cease using the 747-8 for its longest route by March 2025, transitioning to the 777-300ER.
The Future of the Boeing 747
While the passenger variant of the Boeing 747 is nearing the end of its reign, the cargo sector continues to rely heavily on this model due to its capacity and efficiency. Lufthansa plans to phase out the 747-400 by 2028 but will keep the 747-8 active, refreshed with the new Allegris cabin, indicating a continued albeit limited future in passenger service. Meanwhile, Korean Air’s decision to sell part of its 747-8 fleet for conversion into ‘doomsday planes’ underscores the evolving roles these aircraft can fulfill beyond commercial passenger service.