Photos of the Week: German Queen

More than 60 years after debuting to the world and forever revolutionizing air travel, the Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” is in the twilight of her career flying passengers.  

As of March, only a handful of airlines are operating passenger Boeing 747s as newer, more efficient widebody twinjets – such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner – have taken over the reins of global airline fleets. Today, many 747s have been relegated to new careers as freighters for cargo airlines.  

But at German flag carrier Lufthansa, the 747 continues playing a vital role in connecting travelers around the globe.  

Lufthansa is the largest passenger operator of the 747 worldwide, according to Planespotter.net, with a current fleet of eight Boeing 747-400 aircraft and 19 Boeing 747-8 aircraft. This comprises more than half of the remaining 747 passenger fleet worldwide, which includes Air China, Korean Air, Mahan Air and Rossiya.  

Lufthansa plans to operate its 747-400s until 2028, while no retirement date is planned for its newer 747-8s.  

 According to the aviation site AeroTime, Lufthansa has nearly 11,000 flights scheduled with its Boeing 747s through October, with many scheduled flights to destinations throughout North America.   

 Washington-Dulles (IAD) airport regularly sees 747 service from Lufthansa. On a weekend plane-spotting trip to Washington, D.C., Ryan McManus saw this Lufthansa 747-400 arriving from Frankfurt, completing a nearly eight-hour trek across the Atlantic Ocean.  

 While McManus provided a great photo from the ground of Boeing’s iconic widebody jet, Ryan Phillis shared a photo from aboard Boeing’s most popular narrowbody jet. In this photo, a Southwest 737  on the final approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport passes above a cruise liner heading towards the open ocean.  

 Thanks to both Ryans for sharing these great pictures!  

 Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming — you can click here for submission guidelines.  

Southwest plane soars over the water on a Pittsburgh to Ft. Lauderdale flight (photo by Ryan Phillis).