Air India has officially closed the curtain on an era, waving goodbye to their last four Boeing 747-400 aircraft. These majestic planes, fondly nicknamed "Queens of the Skies," once reigned supreme on long-haul routes, offering passengers a luxurious and spacious flying experience.
By Aditya M
A Look Back at the Ladies:
- VT-EVA (Agra): Christened "Agra" after the iconic monument, this 747-400 joined Air India's fleet in 1996.
- VT-ESO (Khajuraho): Named after the famed Khajuraho temples, VT-ESO entered service in December 1993.
- VT-ESP (Ajanta): This aircraft, named after the Ajanta Caves, began its journey with Air India in June 1994.
- VT-EVB (Goa Velha): VT-EVB, christened "Goa Velha" after Goa's historical charm, became part of the Air India family in November 1996.
The End of an Era:
These four 747-400s were deregistered in 2022, marking their official retirement from passenger service. Air India, as part of its ongoing fleet modernization efforts, opted to sell them instead of keeping them grounded. The aircrafts were acquired by AerSale, a US-based company specializing in aftermarket aviation parts and engines.
A Missed Opportunity?
While the sale signifies the end of an era for Air India's "Jumbo Queens," some aviation enthusiasts believe it could have been a missed chance. There were hopes that these planes could be converted into flying testbeds for India's indigenous engine development programs. However, Air India opted for a more commercially viable route by selling them for parts or cargo operations.
The Legacy Lives On:
The Boeing 747-400 may no longer grace Air India's skies, but their legacy lives on in the memories of passengers who experienced their grandeur. These iconic aircrafts were a symbol of a bygone era of luxurious air travel, and their retirement marks a turning point for Air India as they embrace a new chapter with a more modern fleet.
Add comment
Comments