Delta First Boeing 747-400 Aircraft Goes Into Retirement

This 744 was also involved in a near crash back in 2002. It was serving as Northwest 85 when it had a rudder hardover, and made a safe landing eventually at ANC.

I had the honor of clearing the Queen of the Skies to land for the last time at ATL. I am looking forward to taking my son over to the exhibit it becomes next year!

Airframe Details
Construction Number (MSN) 23719
Line Number 696
Aircraft Type * Boeing 747-400
First Flight * Apr 1988
Age 27.4 Years
Test registration N401PW
Airframe Status Active
Airframe Remarks Boeing 747-400 prototype

Delta / Northwest merger and the subsequent acquisition of the 747 from Northeest was in 2007 not 1989

I was in Honolulu as the plane was preparing for departure. It looked majestic with its white livery gleaming in the son. She is a magnificent aircraft.

I believe Boeing tells their public tour guests that the "normal" life time for a 747 is based on the number of take-offs/landings ...approximately 25,000.

I flew on that plane on her maiden flight from DTW to NRT. It was an amazing experience and I will never forget it. The plane was something unlike any other and I then always loved flying on the 747-4. The only flight that surpassed that was on AF 2, JFK to CDG. WOWSER

(Duplicate Squawk Submitted)

First Boeing 747-400 Heads for Retirement

Delta Air Lines will operate the final commercial flight of the first Boeing 747-400 aircraft Wednesday. The 747, carrying tail number N661US, was delivered to Northwest Airlines, which was later acquired by Delta, in 1989.

The Queen of the Skies will fly from Honolulu International Airport to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport....

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2015/09/first-boeing-747-400-heads-for-retirement/