I guess it was only a matter of time since their oldest 744 is about 25 years old:

 

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2014/07/delta-to-begin-to-retire-boeing-747s/

 

Not sure how long the other 12 will be in service, but it seems like just yesterday when I saw them in Northwest paint.  I flew on a 744 last year from Atlanta to Tokyo and it was nice having the updated seatback entertainment system onboard.  That route is one that will switch to a 777 next month.  On my next flight across the pond I make look at Detroit-Tokyo on what would probably my last ever 744 flight :(

 

Delta's newest 744 was built in 2002, so maybe they'll stay around longer than I think, but who knows since twin engine jets are pretty much the norm.  United still has around 2 dozen 744's and it will be an even sadder day when they're all withering away parked under the hot Arizona sun. 

I guess it was only a matter of time since their oldest 744 is about 25 years old:

 

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2014/07/delta-to-begin-to-retire-boeing-747s/

 

Not sure how long the other 12 will be in service, but it seems like just yesterday when I saw them in Northwest paint.  I flew on a 744 last year from Atlanta to Tokyo and it was nice having the updated seatback entertainment system onboard.  That route is one that will switch to a 777 next month.  On my next flight across the pond I make look at Detroit-Tokyo on what would probably my last ever 744 flight :(

 

Delta's newest 744 was built in 2002, so maybe they'll stay around longer than I think, but who knows since twin engine jets are pretty much the norm.  United still has around 2 dozen 744's and it will be an even sadder day when they're all withering away parked under the hot Arizona sun. 

 

I always seem to find abandoned planes in my backyard... I guess we can add a few more.  B)

 

There's not too much of a market for 4-engine planes these days (try convincing Lufthansa, though) especially one that old. My only Boeing 747-400 flight ever was from Phoenix to London and back. It was my first long haul, so it instantly became my favorite airline and aircraft. Hot towels and food service was TOTALLY new to me.

 

My recent flight to Greece on the 777-300ER has made me think differently, it really put it into perspective that the 747 is just not up to par operationally or service/product-wise.

 

It'll be a sad day when the queen is gone forever, but I imagine various smaller airlines and groups will continue to operate them even past 2020.

They will be out there for a long time still... Freighter companies will pick a few up.

Love these planes but they can no longer compete with the more efficient 777 and now 787's as well as Airbuses current offerings. The Air New Zealand ones are right now being phased out as well but they kept them going longer then planned due to late delivery of the 787-9's

 

Sad to see them go as well, I enjoyed flying in them

Aww... I hate the fact that the 747s are dying out.  

I've been on at least 6 744s in my short 16 years of life. The 747's an awesome plane. I mean...it's essentially the definition of a jumbo jet. Sure the 777s and 787s are more efficient and futuristic, but they simply don't have the character of a 747. Hopefully Boeing continues to make more of them even after the 747-8.

 

-Phil

Love these planes but they can no longer compete with the more efficient 777 and now 787's as well as Airbuses current offerings. The Air New Zealand ones are right now being phased out as well but they kept them going longer then planned due to late delivery of the 787-9's

 

Sad to see them go as well, I enjoyed flying in them

Only one left now Matt. SUH went to Victorville 3 days ago