The last queen of the skies
The last 747 built by Boeing, a 747-8F being delivered to New York-based cargo airline Atlas Air, touches down briefly at the Grant County International Airport on Tuesday. During a 54-year production run that ended in 2022, Boeing built over 1,500 747s, according to a company statement.
CHARLES H. FEATHERSTONE/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Port of Moses Lake Commission Darrin Jackson, left, and former Port Executive Director David Bailey, standing out on the airfield at the Grant County International Airport on Tuesday as they wait for the last 747 built by Boeing to briefly touch down before being delivered to Atlas Air. Before coming to work for the port in 1972, Bailey worked as an engineer with Boeing on the 747, and saw the first plane touch down in Moses Lake as part of the company’s testing program.
The Boeing 747 is informally known by the title “Queen of the Skies.” After being produced for decades, the aircraft will no longer be manufactured, though it is expected to have current planes in service for years to come.
MOSES LAKE — The last 747 touched down briefly at the Grant County International Airport Tuesday afternoon as part of its final check before being delivered to its new owner, New York-based cargo airline Atlas Air.
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