Atlas Air recibe el penúltimo Boeing 747

The end of the Boeing 747 era has moved one step closer following the delivery of the second to last airframe.

The jet, N862GT (c/n 67149), is the 1,573rd example to roll off the manufacturer’s production line since 1968 and was handed over to the New York-based carrier Atlas Air on November 22.

The 747-8F is finished in the livery of Swiss freight company Kuehne+Nagel and will be operated on its behalf by the American airline under a long-term agreement.

N862GT is the 1,573rd Boeing 747 to roll off the manufacturer's production line.
N862GT is the 1,573rd Boeing 747 to roll off the manufacturer's production line. Kuehne+Nagel

“With Atlas Air taking delivery of the final 747s for its customer Kuehne+Nagel, this iconic Boeing airplane will continue to move cargo around the world for decades to come,” said Kim Smith, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 747/767 Program. “As we say goodbye to the ‘Queen of the Skies’, we’re proud of her legacy as an airplane that propelled aviation innovation and later laid the foundation of our family of freighters.”

The 747-8F boasts a unique nose-loading capability, enabling a simpler loading and unloading process.
The 747-8F boasts a unique nose-loading capability, enabling a simpler loading and unloading process. Kuehne+Nagel

John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, added: “This 747-8F delivery underscores the importance of our long-term strategic partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and our commitment to support their continued growth and expansion… The two 747-8Fs we will operate for [the company] will add more capacity and versatility for their network.”

The quadjet was ferried from Seattle/Paine Field to Miami International on November 22. Golf Tango’s first flight took place just over a month ago on October 20.

The aircraft is part of a January 2021 order which saw Atlas Air acquire the final four delivery slots for the type.

Left to right: Brad McMullen, senior vice president of sales Boeing - Kim Smith, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 747/767 Program - John Dietrich, president and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide - Michael Steen, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Atlas Air Worldwide - Yngve Ruud, executive vice president air logistics at Kuehne+Nagel - Omar Molina, director of global transportation, Google Devices and Services.
Left to right: Brad McMullen, senior vice president of sales Boeing - Kim Smith, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 747/767 Program - John Dietrich, president and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide - Michael Steen, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Atlas Air Worldwide - Yngve Ruud, executive vice president air logistics at Kuehne+Nagel - Omar Molina, director of global transportation, Google Devices and Services. Kuehne+Nagel

Initially expected to occur this year, the delivery of the last ever 747 has been pushed back into the first quarter of next year.

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings – which owns six subsidiaries including Polar Air Cargo, Southern Air and Atlas Air – currently boasts a fleet of 57 jumbos, comprising 44 -400s and 13 -8s. It first took delivery of the next-generation variant on May 29, 2012.

Following this most recent delivery, there now remains just a single undelivered Boeing 747.
Following this most recent delivery, there now remains just a single undelivered Boeing 747. Kuehne+Nagel