AIRCRAFT PROGRAM

A long-range wide-body airliner and cargo aircraft.

Main fuselage and wing spars are constructed of aluminium alloys. Carbon composites used extensively in secondary structures. Engine exhaust cone made of titanium and engine pylons from titanium, steel and aluminium.

Distinctive design with hump at front of aircraft. Cockpit is above the nose cone which raises as the front cargo door. Four high bypass turbofans are suspended in pods from low swept back wings. Wings are flexible with fully integrated wing tips, double slotted inboard and single slotted outboard flaps. Noice reducing nacelles feature duel chevrons on fan-cowl trailing edge and nozzles of inner core engine as well as inlets lined with sound absorbing material. Spoilers and out-board ailerons are fly-by-wire.

2 pilots with seats for two observers face a flight deck with vertical situation display with liquid crystal display screens, new electronic check list and moving map technology.

Production due to end with final delivery in 2022.

Type variants

Variant	Launch/First flight	Production end
Boeing 747-100/200/300/400	1966 / 1969	2009	The classic variants of the 747.
Boeing 747-8	2005 / 2010		Production: 7 (2019) Deliveries. The largest variant, typically 467 passenger or as 747-8F Freighter. Basis for VC-25B Air Force One.

Recent news

• 25/02/2025:  Press Release:  Collier Aerospace design & analysis software chosen by Radia for structural sizing of new WindRunner, the world’s largest aircraft

View full news archive for the Boeing 747.

See recent updates (latest 07/10/2025)

Operations data

For detailed information about current charter operators, maintenance and training providers, and completions services for this aircraft, please consult our sister publication Business Air News: Boeing B-747