What is the Boeing 747?
Everything you need to know about the Boeing 747 aircraft
Discover the Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a large, wide-body commercial jet airliner aircraft, with four wing-mounted engines. It is used as both a passenger carrier and cargo carrier.
The distinctive forward part of the aircraft, with its hump upper deck, make the aircraft easily recognisable.
The 747 has a double-deck configuration for the first part of its length. The upper deck of this 'hump' was designed to be able to easily convert into a cargo carrier and serves as a first-class cabin or to provide extra seating.
The history of the Boeing 747
The 747 first flew in 1970 with Pan Am and was the first wide-body aircraft manufactured by Boeing. It was also the first plane to be dubbed a 'Jumbo Jet'.
The last Boeing 747 was delivered in early 2023. Altogether, there have been 1,574 built.
Europe, North America and Asia are the primary regions that still use the Boeing 747.
Passenger features of the Boeing 747
Interior features designed for comfort
- Extra headroom over the seats to enhance passenger comfort
- Sculpted celling with LED lighting, creating an open, warm, and relaxing space
- Lavatories that designed to enhance the functionality and comfort of the space
Spacious, convenient storage
- New larger overhead bins pivot for easy access
- Plenty of room for each passenger to store luggage
- Storage bins store into the ceiling so are out of the way
- New latches that make opening and closing the bins easier
Offering more in Economy Class
- Back-of-seat entertainment systems
- All Economy passengers can enjoy the best on-demand content right from their seat
Luxurious Business Class
- More spacious premium seating area is an ideal space to relax
- An exclusive flying experience on the upper-deck of the plane
Superior First Class
- The 747-8 features an exclusive and private first class cabin
- The 747-8 offers dreamliner-inspired cabin enhancements.
- Many cabins feature a private bar.
Technical specs of the 747:
These are the technical specifications for various models of the Boeing 747.
Boeing 747SP:
- Range: 5,830 nautical miles (10,800 kilometers)
- Length: 56.3 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 59.6 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 276
- Cargo Capacity: 110 cubic meters
Boeing 747-100:
- Range: 4,620 nautical miles (8,560 kilometers)
- Length: 70.66 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 59.6 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 366
- Cargo Capacity: 175 cubic meters
Boeing 747-200B:
- Range: 6,560 nautical miles (12,150 kilometers)
- Length: 70.66 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 59.6 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 366
- Cargo Capacity: 175 cubic meters
Boeing 747-300:
- Range: 6,330 nautical miles (11,720 kilometers)
- Length: 70.66 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 59.6 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 400
- Cargo Capacity: 175 cubic meters
Boeing 747-400ER:
- Range: 7,670 nautical miles (14,200 kilometers)
- Length: 70.66 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 64.4 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 416
- Cargo Capacity: 160 cubic meters
Boeing 747-8:
- Range: 7,730 nautical miles (14,320 kilometers)
- Length: 76.25 meters
- Cabin Width: 239.5 inches
- Wing Span: 68.4 meters
- Typical Seat Count (3-class): 467
- Cargo Capacity: 179.7 cubic meters
Overview of the Boeing 747-8
The 747-8 is the latest and third generation of the 747.
The passenger model (747-8 Intercontinental, or '747-8i') was first delivered in 2012. As of July 2023, 155 Boeing 747-8's have been built.
The 747-8 is the largest commercial aircraft built in the United States.
Features of the Boeing 747-8:
- A curved stairway
- A more spacious passenger entrance
- Improved fixtures
How can I book flights on the Boeing 747?
When you search for flights through Alternative Airlines, it's quick and easy to discover which aircraft will be used.
Just click the details icon on the flight you want to see which aircraft will be flying.
Alternatively, filter the results to show only the Boeing 747. Just click on the filter bar on the left-hand side of the search page.
Please visit our "Which aircraft will I fly on?" page for more information.
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Boeing 747 FAQs
How many Boeing 747 are there?
1,574 Boeing 747s have been built. It was the world's leading widebody aircraft, until being overtaken by the Boeing 777.
Which is bigger the Boeing 777 or Boeing 747?
The 777 is a 2 engined commercial wide-body airliner also made by Boeing. The 747 is larger (max capacity/structure) and offers a premium space for passengers. Onboard experience is comparable on both the 777 and 747, but being more fuel efficient makes the 777 perfect for high demand routes. The 777x-9 has been designed to replace the Boeing 747.
How safe is the Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 is one of the safest aircraft that has ever been produced and among Boeing's safest planes. It has widely been reported to be one of the safest aircraft in the world.
Which airlines use the Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 was once a very popular aircraft, but nowadays many airlines are retiring their 747 fleet. A handful of airlines still use the 747, including Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China.