Prior to the crisis, British Airways was world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 ”Queen of the Skies”. However, the aircraft type has become a victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

In light of the decreased demand for air travel, the airline announced it is about to retire its entire fleet of superjumbos with immediate effect.

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm we are proposing to retire our entire 747 fleet with immediate effect,” a spokesperson for British Airways confirmed.

British Airways took the first delivery of this distinctive aircraft in 1989. According to initial plans, British Airlines was set to phase out four-engine wide-bodies in 2024, however, the coronavirus pandemic made some critical corrections three years ahead of the schedule.

Instead of Boeing 747 planes, the flag carrier of the UK will grow and fly more efficient planes, such as Airbus A350 or Boeing 787. Nevertheless, the carrier expects that it would take some years until long-haul flights fully restore and the demand for larger aircraft returns.