Air India bid farewell to its last remaining Boeing 747 on Monday, marking the end of an iconic era for the jumbo jet. The aircraft, previously registered as VT-EVA and named “Agra,” took its final flight from Mumbai’s airport after being sold to a foreign company.
One of the two remaining Boeing 747 aircraft in good condition departed from Mumbai on Monday morning, with the other expected to follow suit soon. Additionally, two other Boeing 747 planes will be dismantled in Mumbai for spare parts.
De-registered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last year upon its retirement, the aircraft underwent a symbolic transformation. Its Air India insignia and titles were removed, and a temporary American registration, N940AS, was applied to facilitate its departure from its former base.
Aviation historian Debasish Chakraverty shared sentiments about the historic moment, recalling the significance of the Boeing 747 in his personal and professional life. The pilots performing a “Wing Wave” over the skies of Santa Cruz at 10:47 AM marked a poignant moment, paying tribute to retiring or concluding flights.
Chakraverty nostalgically reminisced about witnessing the departure of Air India Boeing 747s, particularly those piloted by his father, during his childhood. The distinctive sound of the 747’s engines evoked memories of his father’s flights, making the farewell bittersweet.
Captain Rohit Bhasin, who had the privilege of flying the Boeing 747 for a decade, described it as a remarkable achievement in aviation history, blending longevity, versatility, and enduring popularity. As Air India bids adieu to its Boeing 747 fleet, it marks the end of an era in aviation.
