Air France commemorates the retirement of its iconic Boeing 747 fleet with a series of exclusive farewell activities.
Over four and a half decades since the legendary Jumbo Jet first connected Paris and New York in June 1970, Air France’s final Boeing 747 embarks on its last commercial journey, closing a remarkable chapter in aviation history. The aircraft’s final scheduled route takes place between Mexico City and Paris, cementing its status as a symbol of long-haul excellence.
The Boeing 747 has long stood as a pillar of Air France’s intercontinental service, renowned for its spacious interiors and pioneering technology. In celebration of this aviation milestone, Air France has curated a range of memorable experiences for travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
On January 16 and 17, guests were invited to exclusive guided tours at the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget, offering rare access to the last Air France 747. These complimentary tours, bookable via the Air and Space Museum’s website, featured in-depth walk-throughs of both Business and Economy cabins, led by seasoned cabin crew, followed by an intimate exploration of the upper deck and cockpit with an experienced Air France pilot.
Since the arrival of its first Boeing 747 in 1970, Air France has consistently set new standards for transatlantic comfort and innovation.
To honor this legacy, special tribute flights—AF744 and AF747—were operated on January 14, departing Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 9:00am and 11:30am. Passengers aboard these two-hour journeys enjoyed curated Business Class dining, champagne service, and expert commentary highlighting French history and landmarks visible from above, elevating the experience to a celebration of French heritage.
Upon return to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, participants of flights AF744 and AF747 were welcomed behind the scenes for an insider’s look at Air France’s maintenance facilities, culminating in a celebratory toast beneath the wings of the retiring aircraft.
For those wishing to revisit the storied history of the Air France 747, an engaging web series—“747 Forever”—is available on the Air France YouTube channel, offering a nostalgic journey through more than four decades of adventure in the sky.
