Pilot of Air India’s Boeing 747 ‘Queen of the Skies’: ‘Godspeed, my beloved Jumbo’ Trend

Air India said goodbye to its last Boeing 747 on April 22, marking the end of an era as jumbo jets sold to foreign companies depart from Mumbai. Before takeoff, the aircraft performed a traditional “wing wave” maneuver. As the aircraft named Agra left for the US, many people shared posts related to the aircraft on social media, including the pilot who was flying the Boeing 747. The pilot even shared a photo of himself taken from inside the aircraft.

“The privilege and pleasure of piloting Queen was unparalleled. I hope she continues to fly with her new owner,” the pilot, aka X’s Ultra Long Ranger, wrote.

He added, “Godspeed my dear Jumbo.”

See the photo shared by the pilot below.

The photo has been viewed over 20,000 times since it was shared a few hours ago. Several comments have also been received from Internet users.

Check out people’s reactions to this photo here.

“Sir, could you please explain a little bit about the final takeoff maneuver (the one that dances in the sky)? Is that pre-panned or is it customary? TIA,” an individual posted. .

“This is called a wing wave, and it’s like saying goodbye. It’s sometimes done when saying farewell or when a plane or pilot is leaving, but sometimes it’s done without a plan or when a passenger is boarding. “Never,” the pilot replied.

Another added: “Captain, you were the chosen one.” The pilot replied: “For 15 years, it’s been pure joy. On the sidelines, on the right, on the left! Graceful handling, an absolute beauty to fly by hand.”

“Awesome,” said a third.

A fourth added: “Sir, how do you know she’s completely airworthy when she’s been exposed to the elements and other elements for months?”

The pilot said: “Technical certification after all the necessary checks, tests and inspections obviously had to be done, just like any other airplane that has passed its maintenance or storage period.”

Air India has announced it will retire its remaining four Boeing 747s, citing high operating costs and the industry’s shift to more fuel-efficient aircraft. The company sold all four of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft to US-based aircraft broker Airsale.

On April 22, the first of the four planes, named Agra, departed from its base at Mumbai Airport. Another plane is scheduled to depart soon, but the remaining two planes are not in flying condition and will be dismantled for parts, industry sources said. Air India had appointed UK-based remarketing firm Skytech AIC to dispose of the deregistered windows in 2022. According to aviation portal site Aerotime, all four aircraft were acquired between 1993 and 1996.