<strong>Boeing 747F: </strong>Cargo operators such as Silk Way Airlines, Atlas Air, Air Bridge Cargo and Cargolux have become the stars of logistical efforts to support first responders around the world. And they're all flying the Boeing 747F -- that's "F" for Freighter.
Boeing 747F: Cargo operators such as Silk Way Airlines, Atlas Air, Air Bridge Cargo and Cargolux have become the stars of logistical efforts to support first responders around the world. And they're all flying the Boeing 747F -- that's "F" for Freighter.
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<strong>Queen of the skies: </strong>UPS has 28 747Fs in its fleet, with an additional 15 747-8Fs on order. As part of the fleet of 261 dedicated cargo aircraft, the airline has pressed its largest freighters into the fight against the pandemic.
Queen of the skies: UPS has 28 747Fs in its fleet, with an additional 15 747-8Fs on order. As part of the fleet of 261 dedicated cargo aircraft, the airline has pressed its largest freighters into the fight against the pandemic.
UPS
<strong>An important role: </strong>"You know that you're carrying life-saving equipment down below, and you know it's going to make a difference to those who need it on the front lines," says Captain Kelly Lepley, who commands UPS Airlines' two models of 747s -- the newest 747-8F, and the older 747-400F.
An important role: "You know that you're carrying life-saving equipment down below, and you know it's going to make a difference to those who need it on the front lines," says Captain Kelly Lepley, who commands UPS Airlines' two models of 747s -- the newest 747-8F, and the older 747-400F.
courtesy Kelly Lepley
<strong>Distinctive hump: </strong>The freighter has a feature that gives the 747 its iconic profile. With the cockpit out of the way on the upper deck, the nose of the plane swings up, opening the full main deck for loading. Between the main deck and the belly cargo hold, a 747-8F can haul over 300,000 pounds of cargo.
Distinctive hump: The freighter has a feature that gives the 747 its iconic profile. With the cockpit out of the way on the upper deck, the nose of the plane swings up, opening the full main deck for loading. Between the main deck and the belly cargo hold, a 747-8F can haul over 300,000 pounds of cargo.
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<strong>Birth of the 747: </strong>The 747 launched over 50 years ago. Boeing president Bill Allen and Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe (right) celebrate the Boeing 747's rolling-out ceremony in 1968.
Birth of the 747: The 747 launched over 50 years ago. Boeing president Bill Allen and Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe (right) celebrate the Boeing 747's rolling-out ceremony in 1968.
Boeing
<strong>Dwindling in numbers: </strong>The iconic 747, already dwindling in numbers at the world's airlines, has been hard hit by the pandemic, with all but a handful grounded and heading for retirement.
Dwindling in numbers: The iconic 747, already dwindling in numbers at the world's airlines, has been hard hit by the pandemic, with all but a handful grounded and heading for retirement.
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<strong>Early retirements: </strong>Airlines including Lufthansa and KLM have accelerated the retirement of their vintage 747s, a couple of years sooner than originally planned. Pictured is the last Boeing 747 to be used by KLM, in March 2020, before the airline grounded its fleet.
Early retirements: Airlines including Lufthansa and KLM have accelerated the retirement of their vintage 747s, a couple of years sooner than originally planned. Pictured is the last Boeing 747 to be used by KLM, in March 2020, before the airline grounded its fleet.
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