The original purpose of the IRIAF’s Boeing 747-100s included aerial refueling capabilities. However, there is little evidence that this feature was used extensively. The long-range transport function remained vital for Iran as it maintained limited alliances with countries such as the Soviet Union and China.
Boeing introduced the 747-100 as its first “jumbo jet” in February 1969. Pan American World Airways became its launch customer in January 1970. The aircraft changed long-haul travel by offering much higher passenger capacity and lower seat-mile costs compared to earlier jets. It also featured technical innovations such as high-bypass turbofan engines.
Randy Baseler, then Vice President at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on later versions: "The 747 invented long-range comfort, and we're continuously evolving the airplane to serve markets of the future. While today's 747 might look like the first 747 that arrived in Paris 30 years ago, the resemblance ends there. It is an entirely different airplane, with improved aerodynamics, digital avionics, a new flight deck, the latest in-flight entertainment systems and 3,000 miles more range - a 57 percent increase."
Over time, variants like the longer-range -200 and advanced -400 models surpassed early production numbers of the -100 series but built upon its legacy. The basic specifications for early models included a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of about 680,000 pounds and seating for up to approximately 370 passengers.
Iran has relied on scavenging parts from stored airframes and local manufacturing efforts to maintain its aging fleet of American aircraft due to ongoing embargoes since the revolution. During periods when replacement options were considered—such as potential sales agreements involving Boeing or Airbus after international negotiations—these deals ultimately did not materialize.
Boeing ended production of all versions of its iconic jumbo jet in December 2022 after delivering a final freighter model to Atlas Air. According to Kim Smith, Vice President and General Manager for Boeing's 747 and 767 Programs: "For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come."
Airbus also ceased production of its A380 super-jumbo competitor in 2021 due to similar economic pressures facing large four-engine aircraft.
As global fleets retire older jumbos—including remaining examples operated by airlines such as Lufthansa and Korean Air—the IRIAF’s solitary Boeing 747-100 stands out as one of aviation history’s last links to an era defined by large-capacity intercontinental travel.
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