News are reporting that the legendary Boeing 747 may be nearing the end of its production life. So what, I can hear you say, its just a plane. But the 747 is not just any old plane. It was the world's first wide-body aircraft. It revolutionized air travel and brought down travel costs, allowing many more travelers to be able to fly. Boeing made a huge gamble on the plane. Had the 747 failed, Boeing would have gone under.
The fact that it is has succeeded in these decades is testament to the fundamental soundness of its design as well as its commercial appeal. But in recent years, it has begun to be replaced by a little smaller but more fuel efficient planes like the 777, 787 and A350. Cathay has phased out most of its 747 from passenger service, but it is still used as a freighter. So the plane will remain as a freighter for many years to come even when we are seeing the start of the end for the 747 as a passenger aircraft.
Here's a salute to the the legendary 747:
Why the sun is setting on the Boeing 747 - CNN.com
So, what do you think of the 747's passing?