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A Golden Anniversary

by Scott Jankowski · Published February 23, 2019 · Updated February 23, 2019

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On February 9th, 1969 a legendary aircraft that would become known as the “Queen” of the skies took to the air for the first time. Boeing Aircraft’s Billion dollar gamble would pay off in a big way, as one of the most recognizable aircraft of all time celebrates its’ 50th birthday. Since the Boeing 747 was first introduced into service on January 22nd, 1970 by launch customer Pan American World Airways, 1,548 747’s have been built to date with another 24 orders on the books.

Boeing 747’s have been built in many different variants including passenger, cargo, and combi (part passenger and part cargo) configurations. In fact most of the major airlines of the world at one point flew 747’s or still do today.

Boeing’s Masterpiece also serves with foreign governments, businesses and air forces around the world. It is no surprise that the President of the United States uses 2 highly modified 747-200’s designated the VC-25A as their primary means of transportation. It is also fitting that a Boeing 747-8 was chosen to replace the fleet of VC-25A’s in the years to come.

Although this iconic “Jumbo Jet” is entering the twilight of its passenger carrying days, it will continue to fly cargo for many years to come. All hail the Queen on this Golden Anniversary! Until next time, “Blue Skies to All!”

Tags: 747 B-747-8I Boeing first flight Pan Am VC-25

Scott Jankowski

Scott Jankowski - Franklin, Wisconsin Like so many others my love of aviation started when I was young, very young. I was only three years old when my Parents took me to my first air show here in Milwaukee, the rest you could say is “history”. I would read aviation magazines instead of Comic Books. I would prefer my Dad take me to the airport to watch airplanes instead of throwing a Football around. I grew up watching Convair 580’s, DC9’s and 727’s from the terminal here in Milwaukee, no Stage Three noise compliance back then! I started to seriously take pictures in the Mid 1980’s , for my birthday that year I finally had my first decent camera. I would head down to the airport with my pockets full of Kodak Film and take pictures of anything and everything. It did not matter if it was a Air Wisconsin Dash-7 or a 128TH ARW KC-135E if it had an engine I took a picture of it. I would drop those rolls off to be developed and three days later tear into the envelopes to see the results, which to be honest were not that good but there were a few keepers every once and a while. Fast forwarding to today with much better equipment and skills I spend as much time as I can at both General Mitchell International and Chicago O’Hare which are my Hometown Airports. While times and aircraft have changed the excitement is still as great as it was back all of those years ago. It makes no difference if it is 737, P-51, F-16, or Lear 35 I will not pass on any photo opportunity as you may not get that chance again. Even though my primary focus is on Commercial Aviation I still frequent as many Air shows as I can in the short Summer Season. I am fortunate enough to have EAA Air Venture in my backyard only being only an Hour and Half from my home. I routinely attend Air shows here in Milwaukee, Rockford, Chicago, Ypsilanti and the Quad Cities. I am very fortunate to be part of the Photorecon.Net and PHX Spotters Team and am looking forward to bringing everyone some Air show and Airliner action from the Midwest Region!