Cathay Pacific has officially retired its final Boeing 747, marking the end of an era with a commemorative flight between Hong Kong and Tokyo.
For over four decades, the Boeing 747—often dubbed the 'Queen of the Skies'—has played a transformative role in Cathay Pacific's fleet. Since its introduction in 1979, this iconic aircraft elevated the airline’s international presence and set new standards in long-haul luxury travel.
Replacing the earlier Boeing 707, the 747 more than doubled passenger capacity and enabled Cathay Pacific to expand its global network, particularly across Europe and North America throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The Jumbo Jet became synonymous with the airline’s commitment to innovation and passenger comfort.
In recent years, Cathay Pacific has modernized its fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. These next-generation jets offer substantial improvements in environmental performance and operational efficiency, making the continued operation of the 747 unsustainable in 2025’s competitive aviation landscape.
The final celebratory flight featured the storied 747 with registration B-HUJ—a jet steeped in history. Notably, B-HUJ was the first aircraft to land at the new Hong Kong International Airport. Its legendary 15.5-hour journey from New York, crossing the North Pole and covering a record-setting 13,825 kilometers, remains a highlight in aviation history.
