Thread by @scottiebateman

It has been an unusual day today as I have reflected on 13 years of flying the #Boeing747 for #BritishAirways with a few people. I woudl ask for your indulgence as I take a short walk down memory lane from Boeing 747 No 1 to Air Force 1. #BA747 #BritishAirways747. >>>>

It all started in 1969 when Joe Sutter an engineer working for #Boeing launched the first #Boeing747 from Boeing Field in #Seattle. The aircraft was the first widebody airliner & over 50 years later it is still be flying. Join me visiting No1 here 👉🏻

This year has seen @BoeingAirplanes announce the end of the line for the #Boeing747 as they will stop manufacturing the freighter version soon. The venerable aircraft hasn’t changed much since 1969 but it will be around for many years to come. Read here 👇🏻 theavgeeks.com/2019/02/09/rep…

I have a huge passion for this #aircraft as it has been a huge part of my life for the past 13 years. I have been privileged to see and do some amazing things. A particular highlight was that I flew the #Boeing747 that brought the Paralympians home from the Brazil Games. #AvGeek

The are few office windows that give a view like the #Boeing747 and I have be awestruck by some on the natural phenomenon and vistas I have seen. Here is an #AuroraBorealis, noctilucent cloud, and of course the #glaciers and mountains of #Greenland. #AvGeek #BritishAirways747

Did you know that the #Boeing747 is the current holder of three Guinness World Records? The 747-8i is the longest passenger #airliner ever. Carried the most pax ever at 1088, and the fastest commercial airliner. It has also carried 3.5B people which is half the world 😳#Avgeek

The 747 is an icon of aviation and there have been so many special variants from the largest ever fire truck of the @GSTSSupertanker to the beautiful lines of NASA’s @SOFIAtelescope which is a modified #Boeing747 SP. You can read more here 👇🏻👇🏻 #AvGeek theavgeeks.com/2019/02/09/the…

I have been privileged to be able to fly on some of these specially converted aircraft and there is no more recognisable a #Boeing747 that #AirForceOne. I was fortunate to be given permission by @realDonaldTrump and his team to fly on the aircraft recently. A huge honour for me.

The flight deck of the 747 has some great user interfaces #UI. Did you know the Flap lever is shaped like a flap? The gear lever is shaped like a wheel. Every switch has a unique shape and feel so it can easily be identified in the dark. #Boeing747 #BA747 #BritishAirways747

I have missed birthdays by flying in this jet, celebrated New Year and Christmas whilst airborne and I do not regret one single second of my time spent flying her. It was an absolute privilege and feel honoured to be part of the group that has flown this #aviation Icon. #B747

Thanks for indulging my meander down memory lane. It is slightly odd that I have such a connection to this piece of aluminium, I know. I know I will not be the only one who will miss their iconic shape and tails from @HeathrowAirport and across the globe.#BA747 #Boeing747 #Avgeek