Air France Says Farewell to the Boeing 747


In January 2016, a page was turned in the history of French aviation: Air France officially retired the Boeing 747-400 from its fleet, ending more than 45 years of operation of the legendary "Jumbo Jet" by the national airline. This retirement marks not only the end of an era for Air France, but also the end of a symbol of the golden age of long-haul air travel.

An Icon of the Skies


Introduced to Air France in 1970 with the 747-100 version, then replaced by successive versions, the Boeing 747 has long been a pillar of the airline's long-haul network. The 747-400, the last version in service, joined the fleet in 1991. It was renowned for its large capacity—up to 432 passengers in the Air France configuration—and its long-distance performance.


The 747 notably connected Paris to iconic destinations such as New York, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and Johannesburg. For many passengers, flying aboard the "jumbo" was synonymous with comfort, power, and prestige.

Reasons for the Retirement

The gradual retirement of the Boeing 747-400 is part of Air France's fleet modernization strategy. Compared to new-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or the Airbus A350, the 747-400 is considered less efficient in terms of fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs. In a context of economic rationalization and growing environmental awareness, these criteria have become decisive.

A Farewell in Style


To pay tribute to the aircraft that has influenced several generations of pilots, flight attendants, and travelers, Air France organized several commemorative flights in early 2016. On January 14, a special "AF747" flight allowed enthusiasts and former employees to fly over France aboard one of the last 747s. A few days later, a final commercial flight connected Mexico City to Paris, officially ending the airline's operation of the model.






A final tribute was offered to employees and the public with a special exhibition organized at Charles de Gaulle Airport, retracing the history of the 747 at Air France through uniforms, models, and personal accounts.

Heritage and Nostalgia


Although retired from the active fleet, the Boeing 747 remains a powerful symbol for Air France. Its instantly recognizable profile, with its characteristic hump, will long continue to inspire aviation enthusiasts. Its withdrawal also recalls the constant evolution of air transport, always seeking a better balance between performance, profitability and respect for the environment.

I would like to particularly thank the Air France Airline & DGI personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations & kindness, some photos would not have been possible !


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