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The Boeing 747, once a common sight in the skies, now has less than 50 passenger-carrying aircraft in service. While used for numerous international flights, the plane's versatility is still evident in short domestic routes, primarily operated by Air China and Rossiya Airlines. "There are now just four operators of scheduled commercial 747 flights - Air China, Korean Air, Lufthansa and Rossiya Airlines," reports indicate. Notably, the shortest route for a Boeing 747 this April measures just 579 nautical miles between Beijing and Shanghai, another by Rossiya Airlines stretches slightly longer at 583 nautical miles from Moscow to Kaliningrad.
Despite dwindling numbers, the Boeing 747 remains a staple for passenger travel on select routes. Air China operates domestic routes with this aircraft, including Beijing to Guangzhou and Beijing to Shenzhen, with flight lengths extending up to 1,053 nautical miles. Each type of Boeing 747 offers a different cabin experience, with Air China's 747-8i featuring "66 seats in this class" of premium economy.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa operates longer 747 routes, including transatlantic flights like Frankfurt to New York. "As the world's largest operator of passenger 747 aircraft, Lufthansa has several international routes scheduled with its fleet." These aircraft are mostly used for longer journeys, such as flights from Europe to Buenos Aires, clocking in at 6,198 nautical miles.
