Air India and Thai Formally Retire 747 Fleets

In the past few days both Air India and Thai Airways have formally retired their Boeing 747-400 fleets after months of inactivity.

Both airlines grounded their remaining 747 aircraft a long time ago, but the aircraft were kept active and stored at their respective hubs awaiting potential sale.

Air India Sells Remaining 747s

Now that’s what you call a befitting tribute !
Any #AvGeek / #aviation enthusiast with tear up after watching this.
Full marks to the teams at @CSMIA_Official and @airindia for this remarkable video capturing the departure of the #B747.pic.twitter.com/yfX4NV38IN

— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) April 22, 2024

On 22 April footage started swamping social media showing the departure of one of Air India’s former Boeing 747-400s, VT-EVA (now N940AS) from Mumbai, with a dramatic ‘wing-wave’ maneuver as it lifted off.

This aircraft flew to Paine Field, WA, where it was built, before continuing to Roswell, NM.

The last of Air India Boeing 747s has landed back at its birthplace, Paine Field Airport in Everett Washington USA after taking off from Mumbai, India.#queenofskies #airindia #boeing747 #mumbai #seattle@akash261 @arpavan pic.twitter.com/tBx5WPxyGr

— Alok Upadhyay (@AlokU45) April 23, 2024

The aircraft, along with the other three in the fleet, have reportedly been sold. Whether they will be parted out and scrapped, or converted into freighters, remains to be seen.

Thai Airways Ceremony

The following day, images emerged of a ceremony held at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi showing one of Thai Airways International’s Boeing 747s.

The airline was quoting ‘Queen of the skies farewell’ , with tables and display boards set out for what was presumably a staff or media event.

The aircraft shown appears to not be in airworthy condition, so the question of the fate of Thai’s 747 fleet is uncertain.

Both airlines operated significant fleets of Boeing 747s over the years, including earlier models. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, both carriers have seen these ageing four-engine types retired in favour of modern twin-engine airliners like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.