EVERETT, Wash., February 1, 2023—Boeing and Atlas Air Worldwide joined thousands of people – including current and former employees as well as customers and suppliers – to celebrate the delivery of the final 747 to Atlas, bringing to a close more than a half century of production.
Boeing employees who designed and built the first 747, known as the “Incredibles,” returned to be honored at the Everett factory where the journey of the 747 began in 1967. The factory produced 1,574 airplanes over the life of the program.
“This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that ‘shrank the world,’ and revolutionized travel and air cargo as the first widebody,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the ‘Queen’ will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo.”
Today we celebrate the end of production on the 747, the world’s first jumbo jet — a plane that enabled more people to fly farther, faster and more affordably than ever before. #QueenOfTheSkies
Tune in here at 1 p.m. PST: https://t.co/3jQ0anyDoN pic.twitter.com/0C8TbDm8qd
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) January 31, 2023
“We are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world,” said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 program as we operate the aircraft for decades to come.”
As the first twin-aisle airplane and “jumbo jet,” the “Queen of the Skies” enabled airlines to connect people across vast distances and provide non-stop trans-oceanic flights. Its development solidified Boeing’s role as an industry leader in commercial aviation. The airplane’s core design with its distinctive hump and seating in the upper deck has delighted generations of passengers and operators alike. Boeing continued to improve on the original design with models like the 747-400 in 1988 and the final 747-8 model that was launched in 2005; across all the models, the jet has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency to travel and air cargo markets.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
Today, we report our fourth quarter and year-end 2022 results. Get the details here: https://t.co/x3AmUEaLPE pic.twitter.com/ojZDvYGiMS
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) January 25, 2023
Boeing to establish fourth 737 MAX Assembly Line in Everett
In an internal email sent to Boeing employees on Monday, January 30, 2023, it was announced that the former 787 Dreamliner factory bay in Everett will be converted to a fourth 737 MAX assembly line. The new line is expected to open in the second half of 2024.
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, released the below statement on Boeing’s decision to establish a fourth 737 MAX assembly line in Everett, which is expected to open in 2024:
“Boeing’s decision to establish a fourth MAX assembly line in Everett is great news! Northwest Washington is home to the best aerospace workers in the world, and local communities and the regional economy stand to benefit as Boeing transitions to building a new legacy through the assembly of MAX aircraft in Everett. As the demand for air travel continues to grow, I remain committed to working with regional leaders and partners to retain and create more union jobs and ensure the Pacific Northwest remains the aerospace capital of the world.”
Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive released the below statement:
“I have long said that Snohomish County’s aerospace future is secure and bright, and today’s announcement just confirms that reality. We appreciate Boeing’s partnership and their incredible contribution to our community and economy. As we say a fond farewell to the Queen of the Skies, we welcome her younger sibling, the 737 MAX. We will continue to be the heart of the global aerospace industry and look forward to the innovations that will continue to thrive at Snohomish County’s Paine Field Airport.”
SOURCE: The Boeing Company press release
