Local aviation enthusiast reacts to Boeing 747 final unveiling

ST. LOUIS – The Boeing 747 has been one of the most legendary aircraft for more than 50 years.

On Tuesday, Boeing unveiled the last 747 to be manufactured. It is the 1,574 747 that will be built. The first of the 747 fleets took off in 1969.

“It’s a totally unique design,” said Jerry McGrath, an Oakville resident.

McGarth is an aviation enthusiast and semi-professional photographer who captures photos of the iconic planes at St. Louis Lambert International Airport and other airports around the world.

“It’s a beautiful plane,” said McGrath. “He’s huge, gorgeous and looks like he’s moving when he’s standing still.”

In 2020, due to a lack of demand, Boeing announced that it would retire the 747 in late 2022.

“As an aviation enthusiast, you know that a design will eventually come to an end,” McGrath said.

The 747 operates as a cargo, cargo or passenger aircraft. In 1990, she debuted as the new Air Force One for then-President George HW Bush.

“It shows the versatility of the aircraft, that it can do all of those things and still look really great,” McGrath said.

He said he believes the 747 will be the last of the golden age of air travel.

“When the last 747 flies, when the final touchdown happens and it pulls out into the desert,” McGrath said. “You will see as much fanfare then as you do now.”

Aircraft have an approximate lifespan of about 300,000 miles, which may take 30–40 years to reach.

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/local-aviation-enthusiast-reacts-to-final-boeing-747-unveiling/ Local aviation enthusiast reacts to Boeing 747 final unveiling