Farewell to the Queen of the Skies: Air India’s Boeing 747 Bids Adieu with Graceful ‘Wing Wave’ Maneuver

Air India’s Boeing 747 bid farewell to Mumbai airport with a graceful ‘wing wave’ manoeuvre, marking the end of nearly five decades of service. The iconic aircraft, fondly known as the Queen of the Skies, has played a pivotal role in Air India’s history, operating commercial, VVIP, and evacuation flights.

Amidst heartfelt farewells from Air India staff, the Boeing 747 embarked on its final journey to the US after taking off from Mumbai. The ‘wing wave’ manoeuvre, a signature dip of the aircraft from one side to the other, symbolized its retirement from service. 

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Final Good Bye, An Air India 747 waving goodbye as it leaves India forever Air India bids farewell to its last Boeing 747 “Queen of Skies” ✈️📷#AirIndia #Surat #Airport #Boeing747 pic.twitter.com/BAx7LaE5BD

— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) April 23, 2024

Over the years, the Boeing 747 has been instrumental in several significant flights, including two medical evacuations to Wuhan, China, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Air India’s association with the Boeing 747 dates back to 1971 when it acquired its first aircraft of this model. The Boeing 747, named Agra, served the airline diligently until its recent retirement.

Originally configured with 423 seats, including First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class, Air India’s Boeing 747s have left an indelible mark on the aviation industry. These aircraft, with their distinctive hump and double-decker design, became synonymous with long-haul travel and luxury.

Apart from commercial operations, Air India entrusted two Boeing 747s for transporting VVIPs, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. However, with advancements in aviation technology, these aircraft were replaced by refurbished B777s in October 2020.

As part of its fleet modernization efforts, Air India recently sold its remaining four Boeing 747s. The decision to deregister these iconic aircraft was made by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in November 2022, following Air India’s acquisition by the Tata Group.