The Boeing 747-200 is a four-engined long-range widebody airliner that has a capacity of up to 480 passengers. First introduced in the 70s, this magnificent airliner has been roaming the skies for over 40 years, with many original models still in use today! Join us and experience the lifespan of one particular 747-200 through amazing photos, from the time of her first flight all the way up to her retirement to the hangar.
1982, Air New Zealand
The inaugural flight took place on May 27, 1982. She was produced to fly for Air New Zealand and started to service passengers in June of the same year. She took flight with the registration ZK-NZY.
1988, Air New Zealand
Here she is in 1988, getting ready to fire up her Roll Royce RB-211s.
1996, Air Pacific
After 14 years of service with Air New Zealand, she was leased out to Air Pacific in 1996.
1996, Air Pacific Sister Plane
Here is a sister airliner at Air Pacific for comparison. Notice the differences in the engines and the different logo on the tail.
1996, Air Pacific
Here is our girl getting ready to touch down on that sweet, western pavement.
1996, Air New Zealand
On August 3rd of the same year, Air Pacific decided to cancel their lease with Air New Zealand. Ultimately bringing the 747 back home to run scheduled flights for Air New Zealand.
2000, Virgin Atlantic
Air New Zealand started to sell off their fleets of 747s in 2000, stating that they no longer saw profits with the airliners. Virgin Atlantic bought our girl and gave her the code name “High as a Kite” — if you look closely, you can see the name below the pilot tubes.
2001, Virgin Atlantic
Sporting a bright red tail, our beauty soared through the sky in style with Virgin.
2002, Mojave Boneyard
747 in 2002 via jetphotos
After just two short years, Virgin Atlantic decided to put her out to pasture in the Mojave Boneyard.
2002, Mojave Boneyard
She sat covered up in the Boneyard for a few years. Something just isn’t right to see this beauty not in flight.
2006, Transaero Airlines
After four years in the Boneyard, our girl was finally set free in 2006.
2006, Transaero Airlines
Transaero Airlines decided to take a chance and quickly put her back in service. She re-entered the sky on September 26th with the registration VP-BQC.
2008, Transaero Airlines
Here’s a look at the interior while under Transaero Airlines. Not too shabby for an airliner that’s 26-years old.
2008, Transaero Airlines
Here she is on the runway in 2008. Even a few spectators are out to marvel at this aging masterpiece.
2011, New York
On December 2, 2011, our good old 747 was finally pulled from regular service and stored at Girffiss International Airport in New York. As far as records show, she has not been used for parts and still as a chance of seeing some more air time! Sit tight, hopefully this veteran can see the air a few more times in the future.
