Air India bid farewell to its last Boeing 747 aircraft on Monday, bringing the end of an era for the famous jumbo jet. With the registration VT-EVA, the Boeing 747 was known by the name Agra. Before making its final flight from Mumbai airport, the jumbo jet made its signature manoeuvre. The pilots performed a ‘wing wave’ (an aviation tradition reserved for retiring or concluding flights) as the flight rode into the sunset.
A video of the same has also been shared on X. Several social media users also shared their experience with the plane. According to some reports, the airline currently owns four Boeing 747-400 aircraft, which have already been acquired by US citizens.
Boeing 747 History
– On March 22, 1971, Air India received the first-ever Boeing 747 delivery. On May 21 of the same year, the aircraft went into service, operating four weekly trips from India to London.
– There were 423 seats available in three classes. When on executive duties, Air India will remove several seats from these Boeing 747 to make them into executive aircraft.
– During their airline days, the aircraft was also used by VIPs like prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents. However, in 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) purchased two Boeing 777s, which are currently in service for transporting these dignitaries.
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Boeing 747 Farewell: Social Media Reactions
Sharing the post on X, a chief technical officer of Air India Ltd, Sisira Kanta Dash wrote, “The queen VT-EVA, Boeing 747-400, new Reg N940AS leaving BOM-PAE. Lots of effort many meetings. Many people working behind the scene to make this happen. Thank you all.”
Several users also shared the video and bid goodbye to the aircraft. “Was on the last commercial AI 747 flight 3 years ago, operated by this very frame (VT-EVA). My first 747 flight was in 1977 (when AI was still JRD’s airline), aboard Emperor Rajendra Chola out of BOM. Lump in the throat seeing the wing-wave goodbye as former VT-EVA departed BOM,” wrote one user.
“There she goes @Nomadic_OMD 223 with an (ex) Air India 747. Flies nonstop to the US (PAE). Landing in BOM the next time will hit differently. I hope there is a wing wave on departure,” a second said.