United Farewell to Queen of the Skies

[Cessna954]

This week United retired its last B747-400 (N117UA).

Back in the day United B747's were a rarity in the UK and the first to enter my logbook was N4716U at Gatwick on 5th June 1983. In 1991 United took over from Pan Am on the Heathrow transatlantic routes and they became a regular sight.

The following is my memory of United B747s.

B747-SP21 N141UA at Heathrow on 26th August 1991 (Rainbow scheme)
19910826-Heathrow-10 by Neil D. Brant, on Flickr

B747-122 N4723U at Charles de Gaule on 16th June 1993 (Rainbow scheme)
19930616-Charles de Gaulle-12 by Neil D. Brant, on Flickr

B747-422 N120UA at Heathrow on 14th July 2007 (Battleship Gray scheme)
20070714-110521-Heathrow by Neil D. Brant, on Flickr

B747-422 N120UA at Heathrow on 1st February 2012 (Rising Blue scheme)
20120201-141324-Heathrow-3 by Neil D. Brant, on Flickr

B747-422 N120UA at Heathrow on 7th February 2013 (United Globe scheme)
20130207-112401-Heathrow by Neil D. Brant, on Flickr

Meanwhile British Airways will continue to operate the Queen of the Skies until at least 2024, by current plans.

Neil

[keithnewsome]

Superb memories Cessna954 ! ... I didn't realise United had so many colour schemes over the years ... Best for me was 'battleship grey' I don't know why ??

Keith

[Nighthawke]

Nice set of Jumbos! Too few around now and much as I like the A380, I still marvel at the sight of a 747 on take off. Thanks for brightening up my day.

[SeanW]

great set of colours .. used to love seeing the 747 sp's at LHR

[andygolfer]

a lovely set, so few 747s left now - at least on pax flights.

I remember the early United ones at LHR, such a nice change from the then common Pan Am ones

thanks for putting this together
Andy