Delta Air Lines reintroduces Boeing 747 for international routes

Delta Air Lines has recently brought back the Boeing 747, a model the airline had previously retired in 1977. Delta first introduced this jumbo jet in 1970, aiming to enhance comfort and capacity for long-haul flights. However, by the mid-1970s, the company found the 747 too large for its needs and replaced it with smaller aircraft. In 2008, after merging with Northwest Airlines, Delta inherited a fleet of Boeing 747-400 jets from Northwest. These planes were well-suited for transpacific routes and helped Delta expand its operations. The Boeing 747-400s featured a high capacity with 65 business-class seats and 338 in economy. However, by 2014, Delta began retiring the 747-400s in favor of more fuel-efficient planes, like the Airbus A350. The final scheduled flight of a Delta 747 took place in December 2017, marking the end of an era that lasted 47 years. Despite this, the 747's legacy continued, with Delta celebrating its history through a farewell tour for employees. The aircraft is remembered as an important part of Delta's journey in the aviation industry.