United Airlines taking its 747 out of service

United Airlines will take its Boeing 747 out of service this year. The aircraft made its debut at United back in 1970 when it launched long-haul service with it between Hawaii and California.

Now nearly 5 decades later, the jumbo jet is going to be retired. With the appearance of the 777-300ER and the new technology that comes with the aircraft, United felt the time was right to make the transition.

United will replace the 747-400s with the 777-300ER, expanding its fleet by 12 aircraft, and then to 14 before the end of this year. The 777-300ER will enter scheduled long-haul service this summer, initially on the San Francisco-Hong Kong route from the end of March 2017.

Delta Air Lines, United’s rival, is also take its 747s out of service by the end of 2017.