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Boeing 747-400

Boeing · Widebody / Heavy / Commercial Aviation · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)

The Boeing 747-400 was an American four-engine wide-body airliner — the most-numerous 747 variant + the principal Boeing flagship long-haul airliner of the 1990s-2000s. Boeing developed the 747-400 in 1985-1989 as a re-engined glass-cockpit refresh of the 747 Classic; first flight 29 April 1988. About 694 747-400s were built between 1988 and 2009 at Boeing Everett. The aircraft serves worldwide commercial + cargo + government operators through 2026.

The 747-400 used 4 × Pratt & Whitney PW4056 or General Electric CF6-80C2 or Rolls-Royce RB211-524 turbofan engines (~57,000-63,000 lbf each). Maximum speed Mach 0.85, range 13,450 km, service ceiling 13,700 m. Capacity: 366-660 passengers depending on configuration. The 747-400 introduced winglets (replacing the 747 Classic's flat wingtips), glass cockpit (replacing the flight engineer's station + three-crew operation), and refined fuel efficiency.

747-400 service was extensive on worldwide long-haul routes. Major operators included Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Northwest Airlines, ~50 others. Cargo variants (747-400F + 747-400BCF + 747-400ERF) served worldwide air-cargo + parcel-delivery operators including FedEx + UPS + Cargolux. About 250 747-400s remain in active service in 2026 — most in cargo configuration + with smaller operators. The Boeing 747-400 was the iconic widebody airliner of the 1990s-2000s.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Boeing 747-400 is the most famous version of the iconic Boeing 747 jumbo jet. It first flew in 1988 and entered service in 1989. The 747-400 was Boeing's flagship long-distance airliner of the 1990s and 2000s. About 694 were built between 1988 and 2009.

The 747-400 has four turbofan jet engines, made by Pratt and Whitney, General Electric, or Rolls-Royce. Each engine makes 57,000 to 63,000 pounds of thrust. Top speed is about 570 mph, faster than most race cars. The plane is 232 feet long with a 211-foot wingspan, longer than a Boeing 737.

The 747-400 can carry 366 to 660 passengers, depending on how the seats are arranged. The signature hump on top holds a smaller upper deck with extra seats or a lounge. The 747-400 added winglets to the wingtips, which save fuel. It also got a modern glass cockpit, replacing the older flight engineer's station with computer screens.

Famous airlines flew 747-400s: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, Korean Air, and many more. Cargo versions like the 747-400F are still flying today, with about 250 in service. FedEx and UPS use them for big shipments. The 747-400 was the iconic jumbo jet of the 1990s and 2000s.

Fun Facts

The 747-400 is 232 feet long, longer than a Boeing 737.
Each of the 4 engines makes 57,000 to 63,000 pounds of thrust.
Top speed is about 570 mph, faster than most race cars.
The 747-400 can carry 366 to 660 passengers.
About 694 Boeing 747-400s were built between 1988 and 2009.
The signature hump on top holds a smaller upper deck.
About 250 cargo 747-400s are still flying today.

Kids’ Questions

Why a hump on top?

The hump holds an upper-deck cabin behind the cockpit. Early 747s used this space for first-class seats or a lounge. Later 747s use the upper deck for more economy or business-class seats. The hump shape comes from the nose-loading freight idea: the cockpit is on the upper deck so the entire nose can lift up for cargo loading.

What are winglets?

Winglets are small upturned tips at the end of each wing. They reduce drag from the air swirling around the wingtip, saving fuel. The 747-400 was one of the first big airliners to add winglets. Now winglets are everywhere, on 737s, A320s, A350s, and many others.

Why are 747-400s being retired?

The 747-400 has four engines, which costs more fuel than newer two-engine airliners like the 777 or 787. As fuel prices rose, airlines switched to twin-jets. Most passenger 747-400s have been retired, but cargo versions are still useful for very heavy or oversized freight that smaller planes cannot carry.

Variants

747-400 (passenger): Standard passenger variant. About 442 built.
747-400F (freighter): Dedicated freighter variant. About 126 built.
747-400BCF / ERF (converted/extended-range freighter): Converted + extended-range freighter variants. ~126 built.
VC-25A (Air Force One): 2 USAF VIP transport airframes carrying U.S. Presidents 1990-2026.

Notable Operators

Worldwide long-haul commercial: Singapore Airlines + Cathay + BA + Lufthansa + Qantas + Korean Air + ~50 others.
USAF (Air Force One): 2 VC-25A airframes as U.S. Presidential transport 1990-2026.
FedEx + UPS + Cargolux: Major cargo operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Air Force One a 747-400?

Yes. USAF VC-25A (military designation of 747-400 with VIP modifications) has served as U.S. Presidential transport since 1990. Two airframes (registered 28000 + 29000) operate from Andrews Air Force Base + carry the U.S. President + senior officials worldwide. The VC-25B (based on 747-8I) replacement is in development through 2026 but had been repeatedly delayed; the VC-25A continues principal Presidential transport role.

Sources

Wikipedia — Boeing 747-400