UK Bids Farewell to Last Passenger Boeing 747 Service

The United Kingdom will officially conclude its last scheduled passenger Boeing 747 operation on October 31, 2023. Korean Air’s Boeing 747-8i will perform its final flight from Seoul Incheon to London Heathrow, marking the end of an era for the iconic aircraft in UK passenger service. According to data from Cirium Diio, the number of passenger 747 services from the UK has dwindled significantly, with only 49 services recorded in 2025.

While passenger operations will cease, the UK still retains several freighter services utilizing the Boeing 747. As of now, there are no confirmed plans for the aircraft’s return to the UK in the near future, either later in 2025 or during the summer season. However, changes in operational strategies are not uncommon for Korean Air, particularly in light of its ongoing merger with Asiana Airlines.

Historical Context of the Boeing 747 in the UK

The Boeing 747 has had a storied presence in the UK aviation landscape. Korean Air initially deployed the 747-400 to Heathrow until early 2013. The 747-8i made its debut at the UK’s busiest airport in 2017, operating alongside the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 until 2019. After a five-year hiatus, the 747-8i returned in 2024, marking a brief resurgence in its operations.

In 2025, the 747-8i resumed flights on July 25, with a frequency that typically varied to around three times per week. During periods when the 747-8i was not in operation, the 291-seat Boeing 777-300ER substituted. Notably, there were gaps in service, such as between September 30 and October 12 of this year, when the jumbo jet was not scheduled to fly.

The planned cessation of the 747 passenger service on October 31 is part of a broader evolution in airline operations. In Europe, Korean Air has reintroduced its A380s to Frankfurt after a long absence. Furthermore, in the United States, the airline has doubled its flights to Atlanta, with the 777-300ER set to operate twice daily in the upcoming summer season.

The Decline of 747 Operations in the UK

The decline of scheduled 747 flights from the UK reflects significant changes within the aviation industry over the past two decades. From 2004 to 2014, the number of 747 flights halved, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic retiring their 747 fleets during the pandemic. As a result, passenger 747 operations virtually disappeared between 2021 and 2023.

Data reveals that in 2004, there were approximately 29,300 departures of the Boeing 747 from the UK, with daily flights ranging from 69 to 90. The aircraft operated from major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. In the same year, the 747’s various models constituted about 30% of the UK’s widebody services, establishing the aircraft as the most prevalent twin-aisle option in the country.

The landscape has changed dramatically since then. By 2004, over 20 airlines operated the 747 to UK airports, including Air Canada, Air India, and Cathay Pacific, among others. Notably, the London Heathrow to New York JFK route was among the busiest globally for the 747, with multiple daily departures.

The iconic aircraft, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies,” has seen its role evolve as airlines shift towards more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets. This transformation reflects the broader trends in aviation, where efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly paramount.

As the UK prepares to bid farewell to its last passenger Boeing 747 service, the legacy of this aircraft remains significant in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike. The transition signifies not only the end of an era but also a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of air travel.