China Airlines closes chapter on 747 passenger operations

China Airlines will phase out the last of its passenger Boeing 747-400s by early 2021, becoming the latest carrier in the region to retire the type, which it has operated for more than 30 years. The airline disclosed its move through an announcement for a 747 farewell event, to be held on 6 February, which will see a 747-400 (registered B-18215) perform a flight to nowhere towards Mt Fuji in Japan, before returning to Taipei. <br/>Cirium fleets data indicates that the carrier has four passenger 747-400s currently in storage. China Airlines also has 18 747-400Fs in operation, with a further two freighters in storage. China Airlines did not disclose an exact date for the retirement of its 747s. The announcement also marks the end of more than 45 years of 747 passenger operations.<br/>