Where to Fly on a Boeing 747 in 2025?

Since its debut in 1970, the Boeing 747 has revolutionized air travel, earning its title as the “Queen of the Skies,” many might wonder where to fly on a Boeing 747 in 2025. Over 1,500 units of this iconic aircraft have been produced, transforming long-haul flying into a more accessible experience for passengers around the globe. For decades, the 747 symbolized modern aviation and democratized air travel.

However, advancements in aviation technology, particularly the development of fuel-efficient twin-engine jets, have led to the gradual phasing out of the 747. The 2020 pandemic further fastened the retirement of these aircraft, leading to fewer opportunities to experience the grandeur of the 747 as we enter 2025.

Boeing 747 Fleet Status in 2025

Despite becoming a rarity in the passenger aviation sector, the Boeing 747 still plays a significant role in global aviation. According to data from Planespotters.net, there are currently 264 active 747s in operation, complemented by an additional 35 that are listed as “parked.” While some of these parked aircraft may be in long-term storage and unlikely to return, others are merely undergoing maintenance and will soon rejoin active fleets.

The Dominance of Cargo Operations

Cargo airlines account for the majority of active Boeing 747s today. Atlas Air leads the way with 51 aircraft in its fleet, comprising 48 Boeing 747-400s and 13 747-8s. Similarly, UPS operates 43 of these jets, mainly the newer 747-8 models, while Cargolux maintains a fleet of 29 aircraft, evenly divided between the 747-400 and 747-8.

Passenger Boeing 747s: A Rare Find

As of 2025, 50 Boeing 747s remain in passenger configurations within airline fleets, although only 39 are actively in service. The remaining aircraft are either undergoing maintenance or unlikely to return to the skies. Lufthansa stands out as the most notable operator of passenger-configured 747s, utilizing them for high-capacity, long-haul flights.

Some airlines, such as Mahan Air, still list older 747 variants like the 747-300 in their fleet, but these aircraft have not been in active service for some time.

Passenger Fleet Overview

Where to Fly on a Boeing 747 in 2025

For aviation enthusiasts eager to experience a Boeing 747 flight, Lufthansa offers the most extensive options. The German carrier operates the largest fleet of passenger-configured 747s, providing opportunities to fly across the globe via Frankfurt Airport. Destinations served by Lufthansa’s 747s include major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Buenos Aires, among others.

Korean Air also offers long-haul flights on the 747-8, connecting Seoul Incheon International Airport to key cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. However, changes are on the horizon, as Korean Air plans to replace its 747-8 on the Seoul-Atlanta route with the 777-300ER by the end of March 2025. This will mark the end of Korean Air’s longest 747 flight, transferring the title to Lufthansa’s Frankfurt-Buenos Aires route.

Air China operates 747 flights primarily on domestic routes from Beijing Capital International Airport, with destinations including Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Rossiya operates limited flights using its 747s, primarily from Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport to destinations like Sochi and Khabarovsk.

Meanwhile, Mahan Air’s 747-400 serves domestic routes within Iran, such as Tehran to Kish Island and Mashhad, with occasional international flights to Dubai and Latakia.

The Future of the Boeing 747

The future of the Boeing 747 in passenger service is uncertain. Korean Air has already begun transitioning its 747-8s to other roles, with some aircraft sold to the Sierra Nevada Corporation for conversion into “doomsday planes.” Lufthansa plans to retire its older 747-400s by 2028, replacing them with the more fuel-efficient Boeing 777X. However, the airline’s newer 747-8s are set to receive a cabin refresh with the Allegris product in 2025, ensuring their continued operation for at least another decade.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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