Petition Calls for Delta to Retire Last Boeing 747 by U.S. Carrier in Pan Am’s Colors
A group of aviation enthusiasts led by Alfonso Vazquez, an executive pilot currently living in Mexico who is a member of the popular Remembering the Pan Am Worldport Facebook group, has launched a petition calling for Delta Air Lines to commemorate the last Boeing 747 to be operated by a U.S. airline by repainting it in Pan Am’s livery.
The enthusiasts also request that United Airlines paint the last of its 747s in Pan Am’s colors, although it is a secondary concern, as Delta will be the last U.S. carrier to operate the type. Both carriers acquired major parts of Pan Am: United bought Pan Am’s Pacific Division in 1985 and its Latin American and Caribbean routes in 1991 after Pan Am had filed for bankruptcy, while Delta acquired most of Pan Am’s European routes (with the exception of London, which was purchased by United) as well as Pan Am’s prized Northeast shuttle.
Delta’s 747 jumbo jets can hold up to 376 passengers. This includes 48 seats in Delta One business class, 14 of which are on the upper deck, 42 seats in Economy Comfort, the airline’s premium economy light section, and 286 standard coach seats.
The first 747 went into service in 1970 with launch customer Pan Am. Delta was a 747 operator in the early 1970s as well, and retired its jumbo jets in 1976. It acquired its current fleet of 747s following its merger with Northwest Airlines in the first decade of the 21st century.
United introduced the Queen of the Skies, as the 747 is fondly called, to its fleet in 1970, when it operated the aircraft between California and Hawaii.
The Chicago-based airline had already said in January that it planned “an unforgettable retirement celebration” for the plane at the end of the year.
CORRECTION – June 17, 2017
The original version of this article incorrectly stated that Alfonso Vazquez was a founder of the Remembering the Worldport Facebook group. While he is a member, the founder was Kalev L Savi. FBT regrets the error.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)