Mumbaiites living in the vicinity of the airport witnessed something highly unusual — and somewhat scary to the untrained eye. At 10.47 am this morning, a huge Boeing 747 with the Air India colours took off, tilted to its left and then to its right, before flying away into the skies. The jumbo jet had done a “wing wave”, a highly-skilled manoeuvre used to mark a pilot’s final flight or the retirement of an aircraft. Air India is bidding adieu to its four last remaining Boeing 747s, marking the end of an era for the iconic jumbo jet in the country. The airline has sold all four Boeing 747-400s to AerSale, a US aircraft broker, since it had becoming uneconomical to operate them. The Majestic 747 dips its wings to one side and then the other, it's symbolic way of saying goodbye, last flight ✈️
The smoke is reminiscent of the old Bajaj scooter whose oil hasn't been changed in a while
What a poignant moment for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Boeing 747 has indeed been a cornerstone of long-haul travel, known for its reliability and capacity. As we bid farewell to this iconic aircraft, it's important to acknowledge the advancements in aviation technology that have led to more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The transition marks not just the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter in aviation innovation. Kudos to Air India Limited for their legacy with the 747s and best wishes for their future fleet developments.
Local Time is 1:00 PM of IST. This was posted 7 hours earlier, this means posted around 4:00 AM of IST. Time mentioned for the took-off of the flight is 10:47 AM. This means this is an old posting, copied and pasted from WhatsApp University....
Really sad to see such a majestic aircraft bid adeiu, but then that is how life is .... everything in the universe has to leave the present condition, but ultimately gets reborn in some other form. Likewise the aircraft's parts will get used in some other form. That is the way of the universe isn't it???
Smoke being emitted by the Gas Turbine Engines should be equally unusual, surprising & scary for Untrained eyes! Besides, is it worth the risk to showcase Retirement of the aircraft. Whatever be the case, gripped in GRAP-IV restrictions in Delhi due to, though temporary, unprecedented pollution levels & numerous countries engaged in conflict with no concern for environment, one often wonders if we all live on the same earth!
Very sad as travelling in the top deck was the ultimate .. The view from the top was unforgettable . Riyadh - Mumbai - Delhi sector operated 747 for quite a few years and was very fortunate to have travelled regularly.
What a bittersweet moment. The Boeing 747 has been more than just an aircraft; it’s been a symbol of ambition and progress. The wing wave feels like a graceful farewell to decades of memories that this majestic jumbo jet has gifted us. A true end of an era.
Did all the 4 planes leave BOM airport?? 😰 I hope they preserve one at the airport to honor the queen of skies and Air India's legacy!
Director Ocean - Indian Subcontinent at DSV India
2dThe iconic 747, often referred to as the "Queen of the Skies," is known for its distinctive humpbacked fuselage. But in particular whenever I have viewed Air India's 747s, taking off from the 27 runway at Mumbai airport, it’s a spectacle you can’t stop admiring. The entire length of the runway utilised by the pilots before as lift this giant of the ground into the skies- A picture full of grace! One may wonder, Is it art or science at display. Even as Air India transitions to newer aircraft, the memory of its 747 takeoffs will always be cherished by many.