The world of commercial aviation in the US is dominated by the quote ‘big three’ carriers:
American Airlines, Delta, and United. The country is also home to manufacturing juggernaut Boeing,
whose iconic 747 first flew with Pan Am over 51 years ago, in 1970.
The most recent variant of the ‘Queen of the Skies’ is the 747-8.
Unfortunately, Boeing has found this aircraft’s orders to be lacking...
All of the big three have operated certain 747
variants over the course of their long and prestigious histories.
At times by choice and at other times, as a result of mergers and acquisitions.
However, much like the Boeing 777X, none of these big 3 carriers have yet
ordered the 747-8. From a purely external or livery perspective,
how might these jets look if they flew with the major US airlines?
Fort Worth-based American Airlines has previously operated 20 747s. The vast majority
of these were the original 747-100 variant, of which it flew 17 between 1970 and 1985.
Additionally, the carrier briefly leased a 747-200 from World Airways in 1984. Its final two examples
were the short-fuselage 747SP version. Both of these were with the airline between 1986 and 1994.
But how would it look if American was to break this streak by ordering the new
747-8? The aircraft’s enormous tail is a perfect
means to showcase the most colorful part of American’s present livery.
We would of course also see the airline’s flight symbol against a light grey fuselage.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines flew 31 747s during several distinct periods. The first saw
five 747-100s from 1970 to 1977. It then flew 10 747-200s from 2008 to 2009 as well as 16 747-400s
from 2008 to 2018. The 2008 influx came as a result of its merger with Northwest Airlines.
Overall, Delta’s livery comes across as very smart and functional
on the above rendering of it on a 747-8. Of course, these are the colors that its
most recent examples wore before their retirement three years ago.
Chicago-based United operated more 747s than American Delta put together. It also
flew the most variants, with four versions passing through its fleet over the years.
This included 23 747-100s (1970-1999), 11 747SPs (1986-2001),
10 747-200s (1987-2003), and a whopping 44 747-400s (1989-2019).
The United livery is perhaps the least striking of the three in terms of how it looks on the 747-8.
Nonetheless, it is, once again, a smart and functional paint scheme
which, most importantly, is highly recognizable. The globe design on the tail stands out nicely,
and is a fitting nod to Continental Airlines, with whom United merged in March 2012.
Sadly, it seems very unlikely that we will ever see any of these liveries
come to fruition in real life- especially since US
airlines have firmly shifted towards large twinjets for their high-capacity needs.
Which US big three airline’s livery do you think best suits the Boeing 747-8? Have you
ever flown on any of the carriers’ previous 747 variants? Let us know in the comments.