Christmas Morning Exploring ABANDONED Boeing 747s

[@chrisluckhardt]

🎢 WATCH NEXT → "Ghost Town in the Sky" 🎢 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmq6i6eEntaAidk Note: the 737-219’s last company was Olympic Airways rather than Northwest. Also, comments revealing the location are autoblocked to protect the site from vandalism.

[@StevenThePug]

I was curious, it was less than 1min to find out where they are. But i wont go vandalize them because they are about 9000 km from me. 😅 Thanks for the video btw, its amazing.

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@StevenThePug It should only take that long but several dozen people here and on my other social media can't seem to figure it out. I suppose some people just aren't wired for basic problem solving.

[@zms8092]

Former 25 year Northwest flight attendant here. Worked on ship 6603 many times. It makes me almost sick to see these once majestic aircraft in such decay. Our livery was so gorgeous - you’d see a sea of red tails at our hubs - everything from this 747 to the DC10s to the 727s. All gone now. Distant but very fond memories.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Any stories you can share about flying on 6603?

[@insulani]

Thank you for your service. I have always appreciated the work and care of airline crews, so often underestimated and taken for granted by passengers.

[@tyree8608]

My mother worked for Northwest for 40 yrs! As a kid I was blessed to fly on this 747! An probably every airplane that Northwest flew!! Long live the World going are way!!! Northwest airlines!!!

[@67Endgame]

I was a caterer for the now defunct Marriott in Flite Services. I had catered most of the Northwest fleet, including ship 6603, that came to my station. As the camera ventured under the 6603, I could hear the loud high pitched whine of the turbines amidship. I would always explore the ships after my work was done, it was easy with the jumbo jets as their ground servicing times were longer than the smaller planes. Fond memories.

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@chrisluckhardt Although, please keep the mile-high stories above the belt ... kid's reading!

[@marktemple4081]

Northwest Airlines A/C 6604 brings back a ton of memories. As a loadmaster I flew with that A/C hauling the US military around the world. Rest Easy you beautiful lady, you will never be forgotten

[@daviddennis5789]

Ship 6603 (time 4:50) . I checked my old logbooks, on Feb 16, 1998 I was the F/O on 6603 on a turn from NRT to Saipan and back. That day number 4 actually flamed out on climbout during the way back, they were the older JT9D engines, and fortunately it restarted no problem. Great airplane to fly, I was pilot flying on that leg and it was basically a non-issue (one of two flame-outs over a 33 year career). I'm glad I stumbled onto this video. I regret I never did any of the CRAF flying.

[@OGDelulu]

@@daviddennis5789 Ah, 1998. The second to last of the great years of the 90's

[@bobsmithinson2050]

@@daviddennis5789thanks for sharing. Really gives life to this old bird having read from an actual person that was on it.

[@leokimvideo]

Totally heart wrenching to see these beautiful aircraft just rotting away without any love 😢

[@sailingaeolus]

Yep, I flew in a 747-400 many, many times. Absolutely fantastic aircraft.

[@lucasrem]

love, muhahahaha restore it, what did you meant ? Why keep the trash ? Who needs it ?

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@lucasrem "love, muhahahaha restore it, what did you meant ? Why keep the trash ? Who needs it ?" - Seems feelings and emotion run deep with this one.

[@leisamaggard113]

i feel like i could cry when i see that> just dumped there like their trash and they are magnificiant aircraft! man if they could talk! they are majestic!

[@royalzak2670]

Bro its just a giant aluminum tube. Only the engines are worth preserving hence they've been removed

[@Natsumithegreat]

My dad was a Northwest 747 pilot for a decade so there is a 99% chance he has flown that plane at some point! The old livery makes me really happy and reminds me of all the fun trips we used to go on. Thank you for sharing this.

[@melovetorun]

Sure.

[@karate_girl_ibiza]

You say the same about every plane !!! you said the same about the Lufthansa 747 ffs… why keep lying???

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@karate_girl_ibiza Hilarious if true. Do you have evidence that they're posting the same comment on other 747 videos?

[@Natsumithegreat]

@@karate_girl_ibiza I'm also wondering where I said this about a Lufthansa plane?

[@Beagle3561]

As a Northwest/Delta Flight Attendant for 32 years, I flew on 6603 several times during my career. What a wonderful aircraft to work on. What memories! Worked several military charters to the Mid-East during the Gulf War on that one. Thanks for posting.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Wow! Any stories you can recall and share about flying on this plane?

[@Beagle3561]

So many! To fly on this aircraft, it took years of seniority, although I did fly on it as a new flight attendant on "reserve" status. My usual leg was MSP-NRT -- a 12 hour flight segment. I also enjoyed flying to London and Frankfurt. But my favorite trips were flying on the aforementioned military charters, during the CRAF fleet call-ups during the Gulf Wars. We'd usually start by deadheading the aircraft to a US military airport, layover, then the next day proceed to our destination-- Usually Amsterdam or Frankfurt. I was usually the senior flight attendant on these flights (but not always), so my jump seat was located right next to the first door on the left side of the aircraft (1L). A relief crew would then take over and fly them to the Mid East. The next day, our crew would take over, and meet the next inbound flight from the US in Europe, then take the troops to our Mid East destination. I also remember the faces of those young troops--- some going into battle as they left the aircraft. As a former US Army solider, that weighed heavily on my mind. After our soldiers deplaned, we deadheaded the aircraft (no passengers) back to Frankfurt or Amsterdam-- about a 6 hour segment. I did a lot of those flight in this aircraft: Queen of the Skies, Ship 6603!! Did I also notice a boneyard Northwest 727 in the background? Spent most of my earlier years at the airline flying that one!

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@Beagle3561 Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@shyman9023]

Might have been the one that took me and my unit to the sandbox. Got the opportunity to sit in the jump seat for landing in Saudi at night. Really great experience.

[@carlitosanderson6825]

Even as they sit still in the forest, Long lost and abandoned, They are still BEAUTIFUL SHIPS!!!!!!!!!

[@dougalbee2663]

Worked as a 747 structures mechanic for northwest from 1989 to 1994. Remember this plane very well. It was the first of three to go through the ARMAR refurbishment program that was supposed to extend its life. I’d love to see it again!

[@bradsteelguy9140]

I thought the 747 would tip back onto its tail without engines?

[@annaperry8775]

I did a couple of years at hanger 7 doing ARMAR work as an R&E mechanic on 3rd shift. Those were good times, I remember 6603 well

[@christophertmunro4503]

Breaks my heart to see such majestic birds that gave such a great service to so many now having been abandoned and rotting away.

[@garyderipaska675]

exactly ,truly sad

[@sattwikchakrabarti]

Economics, brother 🙂

[@carlitosanderson6825]

I totally agree with you. It really breaks my heart as well!

[@CH-qt4hr]

I got to go inside an old, retired Northwest 747 several years ago. Still had the orange seats (very 70s!). It's crazy how big those planes are inside when they are devoid of people. Really makes you aware of their size

[@chrisluckhardt]

Orange seats! I'm guessing they also smelled like the 1970s?

[@CH-qt4hr]

@@chrisluckhardt I don't remember any particular odor! maybe a little cigarette smoke

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@CH-qt4hr The smoke odor is 70s enough!

[@thisnameislessembarassing]

My dad was a flight engineer on the A300 and then on the 747-100/200/300. This is really taking me back to growing up and following him around on these beautiful planes.

[@lincolnengland5005]

The 747 is still the 'Queen of the skies' in my book....I'm afraid it had it's day but it was a lovely old bird to fly on.

[@russhfan]

Ditto

[@BentleyTypeR]

Not just in your book, she will always be the queen of the skies

[@dustinmartin8954]

Worked for Pan Am in Air Cargo as a college kid at Washington Dulles Intl from 90-91, I miss these grand ladies, Queen of the Skies, I miss that big blue Globe and all the rest of the great air carriers that flew this majestic beauty that are no more sadly. Rest easy Queen, of the Skies.

[@jimrestaino7763]

The close up views of 747s in the video brought back memories of when I worked for PanAm in their last 5 years of existence. I worked atJFK in the Jet Center Bld. 208 Hanger 19. As a machinist overhauling engine and landing gear parts. Just seeing those huge landing gear wing and body, the truck beams, axles, drag braces that we reconditioned on the original 747-121s. Made me feel proud and sad at the same time.Thanks for posting.

[@YoshanBisanka]

❤❤❤747

[@thomasjacques5286]

It's heartbreaking to see these amazing examples of the human mind, skill, and determination sitting and rotting away while at one time they sped through the almost vacuum of our upper atmosphere while humans sat in total comfort eating, drinking, reading, sleeping, and dreaming and all so safely and peacefully.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Well said, and my abandoned space shuttle video shows it to an extreme level. Have a look if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qrYYJjnN19ars

[@jamesstephenpeyton3305]

You could be easily talking about seniors in an old age home.

[@Chunky246]

@@jamesstephenpeyton3305 The planes don't uncontrollably fart though

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@Chunky246 737 MAX's rapid decompression isn't an equivalent? lol

[@CDBthe3rd]

So sad to see these magnificent and beautiful planes silent & forlorn. I flew on 747’s a lot and I miss them terribly. There never was and there never will be another plane like that. Thanks for the video.

[@outfield1988]

Agree but the Airbus 380 is awesome as well.

[@ralphreinhardt6020]

Yep, the Grand Dame of the skies ! I miss the 747's alot. Not a bad seat on these majestic beauties.

[@johnoconnor6356]

The Airbus A380 was the only other double decker plane, besides the 747 that was ever built. The 747's upper deck only took up the first 1/3 of the aircraft, whereas the A380 was a full double decker aircraft that could accommodate more than 800 passengers, nearly double that of the 747. However, the A380 never caught on to any major US airlines, and now never will, as the A380 itself is now out of production. The only other aircraft that was bigger than the 747 was the Lockheed C-5A, which was only a military transport aircraft and never an airliner.

[@APR1037]

I had the pleasure of flying the 747 several times. There is nothing like it. I hate to see these amazing aircraft in such a state.

[@bradsteelguy9140]

I thought the 747 would tip back onto its tail without engines? Did they put weights in the front?

[@up488]

Me too! Love the 747. I went to Europe just this past Oct/23 and was able to fly on one again, probably for the last time sadly. It was a Lufthansa 747-400 from YVR to FRA and I savored every minute of that 10 hour flight.

[@ivanlussich8146]

I am from Uruguay, worked for Pan Am at the MVD Ticket Office 1959-1985. As the story goes, our president Mr Juan T. Trippe visited Boeing in 1966 and asked them to build a jetliner capable of carrying 400 or 500 pax over long distances. Boeing said that was impossible. Trippe retorted "I'll go to Douglas then!", upon which Boeing said they would attempt to design such an aicraft. And so the 747 was born. I flew in them several times, honeymoon included (1971). Superb, unforgettable aircraft.

[@elpingui13]

His name was Nacho Ruglio i think

[@cgimovieman]

Seeing that Northwest livery brings back a million memories for me. I remember that being from throughout the 90’s and maybe just the first couple years in the early 2000’s, before they were absorbed by Delta. But I grew up in Michigan in the 80’s and 90’s. Detroit, along with I think Memphis and Minneapolis, were Northwest’s three big hub airports. Even though I hadn’t gotten to travel super extensively back then, my family did every so often, and when we did it was almost always on Northwest. I’m sure I still have a paper bag tag or two from them laying around somewhere in my closets. Since then, my account transitioned into being Delta, and they’ve been my main airline for decades. Overall I’ve been really happy with them, but I miss some of the diversity of brands you used to have with airlines. Some like Eastern, Pan Am, TWA, Continental, or US Air were all so huge for a long time, and now gone. But seeing some of them remind me of my earliest years flying, and how special it was.

[@freddyhoyt1849]

I flew on many 747 planes ✈️ in my career as a flight attendant they are the most iconic airline aircraft ever made

[@Kokoshi]

Watching this is like seeing a walk around a cemetary. It is sad how quick time passed by to see these majestic Queens of the Sky become abandoned scrap.

[@NicholasRiviera-Dr]

For those that don’t know, at @5:00 they are the ram air inlets for the air conditioning system. The B747 has 3 air conditioning pack systems (virtually identical). 2 scoops on the left, 1 on the right. They use outside air to cool the air used for the air conditioning via primary and secondary heat exchangers. A few seconds later in the video is where the rest of the air conditioning components of the packs are (air conditioning pack bays). When in operation the air cycle machines are very loud, they scream, from memory they run on air bearings around 40,000 RPM. Has a very distinct sound

[@mortkb]

Most iconic airliner ever built. Is and will always be my favorite.

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

Wonderful old aircraft...Queens of the skies...my dad was a commercial Flight Engineer and he flew the 74s for many years...

[@PatrickBeilby]

Just flew back from Frankfurt to Singapore on a Lufthansa 747-8 so they are still out there in 2024 😊 Great flight. Smooth as silk.

[@leisamaggard113]

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@biggrigg8558]

I love abandoned planes,so beautiful,the history,if I was rich I would buy them all and just spend all day looking at them

[@dodgeman338]

It's cool to think of all the trips, memories, and family vacations those beautiful ships have provided

[@adamthestarlord9595]

The most stunning aircraft designs ever. I wish they’d bring it back. I love a 777 but they look the same as every other Boeing.. you knew this was a 747 without a second guess.

[@Mark-pp7jy]

Actually, the 777 has a distinctive slope over the flight deck. After 9/11, I spent more than two years on layoff with NWA. During a bit of that time, I worked the ramp in DEN, where UA flew a ton of them. Massive and beautiful aircraft!

[@bilalahmed2123]

Such a sad sight ! Once used to travel all around the world, being treated like Royalty at airports. Now just deserted, slowly being taken apart. 😢

[@chrisluckhardt]

They're a good example of the transience of humanity.

[@bilalahmed2123]

@@chrisluckhardt sad 😞

[@jeanlucdrion1152]

For you had better not get old or you sure will be replaced . I remember my prized 1970 Lady Kenmore Washer Dryer Combination too. Hauled away on a pick up truck never to be seen again .

[@redfire122]

I spent 12 years as a mechanic in building C - MSP and Indianapolis. Although working for a stable airline now I still get mad when I think about the greed of the corporate raiders that brought down the great carriers like Northwest, Eastern, TWA, Continental. Still do not see how leveraged buy outs can be legal.

[@PSE-i99u]

Heart wrenching to see the queen of the skies just rotting in the middle of the forest.

[@philtll]

They've built over 1500 of them, what exactly do you think should happen when they're used up?

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Wow the size of the hump from the 747-100 to the 747-400 is nuts!

[@17y.]

sad to see 747-400 aircraft in this state, being dismantled 😢

[@chrisluckhardt]

They were incredible machines of engineering, but their best days were long ago.

[@brianmcdonald6519]

@@chrisluckhardt That may be so, but it is still nice to see a few airlines still using them for pax service. Even converted to cargo, they are still very impressive machines!!

[@brianmcdonald6519]

I agree. Nothing more majestic than watching a 747 coming in to land!!

[@damoose1311]

if som where are the winglets

[@akashbains3541]

@damoose1311 I believe he’s talking about the United 747-400 infront of the Northwest 747-100.

[@PRR5406]

The 747 is such a great plane. I miss them already.

[@MOSSFEEN]

Its Mad to think that the United Airlines Boeing 747 - 451 was all Shiny and New back in 1994 Only 30 years ago

[@JavierHardeman199X]

Yeah when Untied and Continental was still separate airlines just like Northwest and Delta was.

[@ablue5419]

Sad to see the queen of the sky deteriorate like that after many years of service carrying people around the world for sure she is an iconic plane and one of the most beautiful and secure plane ever built.

[@inniyan-ef4nh]

2:22 the best way to start a Christmas morning 😊

[@chrisluckhardt]

Quite an early morning present from Santa seeing those 747s up close!

[@matthewbennett06]

I grew up near there, I've seen those jets many times!

[@coolmasterztv3088]

Totally sad to see them rotting away. I hope there would be a new 747 and/or A380 in the future. May the Queen live forever.

[@eagle6754]

Where is this place? If it weren't for all those American airliners, I would have thought that this was an old Soviet air base.

[@ChristopherDiGiovanni-o3j]

If I purchased United Airlines Boeing 747-400 like this one in the video, I would make the upper deck a master bedroom, the cockpit would be a master bathroom, and if the upper deck had plenty of space, I would add office. The first floor (or second floor) would be the dining room, kitchen, and living room. The bottom level would be the family room, laundry room, storage room, and if the upper deck didn’t have space left for office, I can add office. One of the wings would be a porch. Outside would be the swimming pool and grilling area. Maybe another wing would be the gardens especially flowers. I’ve always dreamed of buying it for years.

[@usaaircraft]

an old -100 747! Thats a rare beast! sad airplanes dont get saved as much as other things in life!

[@robert4you]

I was exactly one year old when that Northwest Airline Boing 747-151 flew its first commercial flight... soon 54 years ago. That's a long time ago...

[@chihlinko]

Still beautiful and majestic to see them. I feel nostalgic as I used to fly on Northwest Airline trans-continental in 90s. I could had be on this 747, boarding thru that very door. And possible I had cross path with this nice flight attendant.

[@AQUAFONIC]

Gosh I remember NORTHWEST flying from Gatwick to Minneapolis St Paul Then on to Fort Lauderdale way way back 92 it arrived late so missed my connection Delta took me over two days later ironically Delta took them over …

[@CATS57CATS]

Beautiful and atmospheric video. Thank you.

[@adammoran4847]

And wow how symbolic, what once was a country of exploration and yearning has all but faded into late stage capitalism where nothing feels proud or collective anymore. Breaks my heart that the Golden Age of flying, and on a larger scale, America, now sits in an eerie, abandoned state. Nothing really can beat the iconic nature of the 747 or Pan Am probably ever again. So happy we got to experience this during our lifetime, at least to some extent, it’s really quite incredible!!

[@domesticterrorist483]

It is not capatilism but statism and communisim/socialism that is ruining the west.

[@macedon4049]

Gives an almost eerie, haunting feeling seeing these aircraft in this way.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Ghosts of the sky

[@Scorptique]

I love how the golden hour light gives the aeroplanes and the grass a warm glow ╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡

[@chrisluckhardt]

Everything is more beautiful with golden hour light or fog!

[@Cobalt135]

@@chrisluckhardt Interesting comment on the "golden hour" at this location. Go US Army Golden Knights 😉 IYKYK

[@briscoedarling3237]

You never really understand Boeing’s dominance of international commercial aviation until you walk under a 747.

[@chrisluckhardt]

The only birds more intimidating/amazing to walk under for me were the abandoned Soviet space shuttles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qrYYJjnN19ars

[@theonick2]

This almost made me cry.

[@northseawolf]

I'm impressed the tyres are still all well inflated. Especially the one sat 25 years!

[@swanandbhale9]

Engineering masterpiece !!

[@fieldsofgold775]

Could you imagine if a group of aviation enthusiasts were to bring one of these 747’s back into existence. Totally rebuilding it from the parts of all of them? So they all could fly one more time. There’s something definitely noble about these aircraft.

[@chrisluckhardt]

The FAA would never allow it but it would be amazing to see an old 747 lift off again!

[@karensamuels390]

The documentary of the first 747 flight out of Paine Field is fascinating. Brave pilots dared to fly the 747 with thousands looking on. The company exos insisted that the plane take to the skies even though there were many engines that exploded before a flight actually took wing. No one knew whether the plane would make it off the ground, let alone fly and return to earth. The company was pressured and coerced relentlessly to rush the maiden flight over many objections from the mechanics and engineers who wanted to place safety over the egos of the exos. Those two pilots are true unknown and unsung heroes of aviation.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Wikipedia: "...preparations were made for the first flight, which took place on February 9, 1969, with test pilots Jack Waddell and Brien Wygle at the controls and Jess Wallick at the flight engineer's station. Despite a minor problem with one of the flaps, the flight confirmed that the 747 handled extremely well."

[@simongray8019]

The 757 appears to be in the colours of former UK charter airline Airtours

[@andyd4851]

my travel to be exact, would liked to have seen more footage of this one, probs saw it loads in my younger days....funny where planes end up.

[@1mvalkyrie]

That B737-200 at 7:22 has been bought by a preservation group in New Zealand and will head home sometime this year.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Do you have a source for that news?

[@allancron1936]

That's interesting to hear, I am thinking more than likely the museum at Wanaka, I know they have been after one for a long time

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@allancron1936I searched for info about the preservation group. It’s just a Facebook page with a deleted crowd funding campaign. So nobody has bought or moved the 737-217 visible at 7:22. Edit: the group is still active, and the plane appears to be in the process of being dismantled in early 2024. See here: facebook.com/bringourbirdshome

[@charlenem6915]

Wow this is really sad I used to fly NW in the early 2000s to the Philippines, seeing the abandoned NWA brought back memories

[@JohnAshley-z7c]

I flew in an Atlas Air 747 (-400 I believe) on my way to Afghanistan in 2013. The best part was that they filled the first/business class seats by rank. I was lucky enough to make that cut, the only time in my career. It was great to be able to recline back and kick my feet up for the multiple flight legs until we got to our intermediate stop in Kyrgyzstan. From there we switched to a C-17 outfitted with pallets of airline style seats configured in VERY narrow rows. The seats were skinny with fixed arm rests and they did not recline from their very vertical position. And completely full too. I much preferred the ride to theater in style on that 747!

[@chrisluckhardt]

I'm not American, but thank you for your service. 🫡

[@Hug_life]

Sad fact: The very last 747 that will ever be made rolled off the line in 2023 and took its maiden flight. It’s operated by Atlas. The videos are on KZbin and are amazing!

[@Totem7012]

So, what should do YOU think we should do with those wonderful examples of great working aircrafts?

[@angierobinson5570]

Loved watching this 👍🏻🙌🏻

[@YoshanBisanka]

❤747

[@DaveD2488]

Awesome footage. I would love to see the inside of one of these planes.

[@marlenejoy6938]

Thank you for this tour.

[@snickerinmuttley1204]

The economics of air travel have changed so much over the last 10 years or so. I think there are still something like fifty 747s being used by various airlines for commercial flights, but that will dwindle down quick, they're just not cost effective to run them anymore. and there's not enough people to fill the seats, jet fuel for these four engine beasts is not cheap, the 747 definitely had it's hey day though, that first one that rolled out of Everett on that day in 1968, pretty damn special, even though it wasn't airworthy at that moment, everyone was just awestruck from the sheer size of it. I would say if you want to experience flying on a 747 I would do it in the next year or two, you never know how long they will operate for passengers?

[@XLRSAv]

Man, those are still so beautiful, 6603, even after 53+ years. As a student pilot here, it’s so sad to think of the number of aircraft that will be like that in the near future.

[@RudeCustoms]

Dang. That's genius. Explore on Christmas. Chances are, no one is working and the ones who are working? They too upset to even care.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Semi-related: I heard a French guy went to the abandoned Soviet space shuttles on New Year's Eve with the same logic. But he was caught coming out of the building on New Year's Day! We had better luck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qrYYJjnN19ars

[@mmartin4978]

They may be old but they still have a full set of doors , Boeing knew how to build an aircraft back then

[@mitchwinder1204]

Pains me to see this. I was a ten year Gold Elite member with NWA. (mid-'90s to mid-2000s) I've logged hundreds of thousands of miles on DC-9s, 319/320s, 757s, and Airlink (Mesaba) Saab turboprops and CRJs. My professional life changed about the time Delta took over, and rather than flying multiple times per week, it became 2-3 times a year. (To this day there are still NWA tags on my carry-on.) I truly felt like I was part of a family. (Immediately after 9/11 the gate agents at MSN knew me well enough to tell me where to stand as to not have to forgo the additional security search at the gate.) And the new McNamara Terminal at DTW was its own slice of heaven when it opened. Yes, the DC-9s rattled, and the flight attendants were quick to open the cockpit door from their seats as soon as the plane touched down. (Pre-9/11) But those old planes were every bit as spiffy on the inside as their much newer Airbus counterparts. They reminded me of old jeans...broken-in and comfortable. So to those of you ex-NWA folks posting in here...a genuine thank you from a much-traveled ex-customer. I will always look back on my experience with Northwest as a positive one. I miss it...all of it... to this day. Thank you all. .

[@phayzyre1052]

I remember working on that very Northwest aircraft back around 1997. Wonder why they took it out of service?

[@chrisluckhardt]

What was your role or job while working on the plane?

[@phayzyre1052]

@@chrisluckhardt Structures technician

[@FlyDog79]

The only 747 I ever flew on was Pan Am (Clipper Empress of the Sea) back in the 80’s. How I miss that airline and seeing 747’s everywhere at airports back in the day.

[@ARailFansLog]

so sad to see such majestic flights now left like this

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

Always sad to see them end up like this but it’s awesome to see them up close.

[@goldenipsi6897]

I took a "Northwest Orient" 747 to Ireland in 79!

[@2THGap]

I remember as a kid taking Northwest from Tokyo to Seattle.

[@Roughrider77]

Such an eerie sight, but yet a a sad moment to see these once modern machines glorifying the skies.

[@njt002]

I recently toured an abandoned 747. Someone left it in the middle of a museum. 😂

[@chrisluckhardt]

No lineups or ticket fees to see these planes 😂

[@truthteller8459]

The Airbus A380's need to be abandoned not the Boeing 747's. STILL the Queen of the Skies and ALWAYS will be.

[@OhioPalmTrees]

dang its been 22-23 years since that one has been sitting there. Not a single vandal looks to have messed with it, everyones got respect for 747's

[@chrisluckhardt]

People who know the location have tried to keep it quiet all these years due to potential vandalism ruining it for everyone else. But of course, a 15-year-old KZbinr went there and posted all the information on his channel. What are you gonna do? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheAeroAvatar]

I tell you, it is depressing to see these magnificent vehicles reduced to this. The 747 has served us so well, I don't want to see them vanish. And it's sad to see one of the last living remnants of Northwest Airlines. Sadly an airline I never got to fly on.

[@freddyhoyt1849]

I’m watching this video again I just loved when I was a flight attendant flying on the 747 planes ✈️ they beautiful planes

[@Moondoggy1941]

Still a better plane than those Boeing 737 Max

[@tbm3fan913]

I flew from San Francisco to Manila 44 times between 1990-2008 on Northwest and then JAL 747s. On JAL most times in the top level which was very pleasant. Flew to Manila in 2022 on a 777 and must admit not crazy about two engines. I will always miss the 747 King of the Sky.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Okay, I'm curious how you remember it being exactly 44 flights?

[@tbm3fan913]

@@chrisluckhardt All my passports and entry stamps.

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

I bet they are probably more reliable than the new ones, even in this condition.

[@ZackT13]

And to think, once upon a time, a company spent Millions on those when they were brand new.

[@b.t.2796]

I think that too when I see a junky Cadillac. "Wow, at one time that car sat brand new on a dealer's lot. Maybe even inside!"

[@bartolomeo6546]

I flew a long while ago Northwest Orient to Japan on board a B747

[@rodneyconover4170]

I wish I could afford to buy one of those 747’s and land and make a beautiful house out of it! It would be awesome 👍😊

[@chrisluckhardt]

A guy in Washington bought one for $100k and converted it to a house.

[@MerrimanDevonshire]

More than a few Northwest employees, and customers, in the comments section... greetings. 😊

[@vuho2075]

I saw a car years ago on the freeway with a license plate frame that said - "Pan Am, gone but not forgotten". Makes me want to weep

[@Akotski-ys9rr]

It’s amazing how those planes are just full of wires and pipes everywhere on the inside

[@geoffwag3321]

I started at Northwest, DTW, in 1993. Worked the ramp side and sure I probably worked this ac, on old F gates. Still there, today, through the Delta merger.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

That is kind of "amazing-akward!!!" On the 5 of February 2001, I flew with that Typ 747 of the same Northwest Airlines my first time to the US from Amsterdam-Seattle ,and back,they cooperated with KLM,so almost Final Destination Luxembourg.✈️🛩 Thank you very much for putting it on KZbin 🙏 Beloved Greetings from Europe 🇪🇺,Germany 🇩🇪, Yours Josha 🙋‍♂️

[@lucasrem]

That's why KLM did these alliances, so they can fly on destinations in the US as if they are a local operator.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@lucasrem ah ok,quite interessant! Did not know that: Kind regards, Josha 🙋‍♂️

[@timsimms65707]

A very interesting place, and odd to see so few airliners there, not a typical graveyard the planes have been stripped but not scrapped and have sat there for quite some time. Thanks for posting this. Peace.

[@chrisluckhardt]

I checked each plane's registrations. The one in the thumbnail has been out there since Y2K!

[@timsimms65707]

@@chrisluckhardt Whoa, long time.

[@1mvalkyrie]

@@chrisluckhardt y2k?

[@chrisluckhardt]

@@1mvalkyrie It’s the year 2000, aka Y2K. Yes, I’m ancient compared to other explorers! 😂

[@NicholasRiviera-Dr]

@@1mvalkyrieyou can add “millennium bug” to that list aswell 😂

[@transeasternairlinesRBXL]

BEST KZbinR I LOVE CHRISYMAS AND 747!!!!!!! HERE IS SUB!

[@Jay_Dahl]

It would be interesting to learn more about the economic factors that went into the decisions to retire these incredible aircraft. I'm sure it has something to do with high maintenance costs, and better fuel economy in newer aircraft, but I wonder what other factors were involved. In a lot of third world countries, they find it economical to keep aircraft in service for much longer. That said, every aircraft has a limited practical service life. (I wonder why those engines are the first thing to be salvaged? What makes them so valuable?)

[@chrisluckhardt]

You've more or less answered your own questions, and it's why I didn't go into extensive detail about each plane. A few websites exist that provide each aircraft's service history but there's little information after they were decommissioning. Engines contain some of the most valuable metals so they're scrapped first.

[@NicholasRiviera-Dr]

One of the reasons the engines are removed first is to be fitted to another aircraft that is still in service. An engine is essentially a “component” with a remaining service life until overhaul is due. The removed engines become spares. It is cheaper to install an engine with remaining life onto an aircraft in service than to overhaul the one currently fitted to an in service aircraft. I’ve seen engines (and other components) that have short periods of service life left deliberately fitted to aircraft that are going to be retired

[@Jay_Dahl]

@@NicholasRiviera-Dr That's a very insightful comment, thanks. I wonder if that's the same thing that happened to Elvis' famous abandoned jet that recently was auctioned off.

[@NicholasRiviera-Dr]

@@Jay_Dahl 😂 I’m not sure what happened to Elvis’ jet, I just Googled it so I can see what your referring to. I’m guessing they may have removed those engines at the time to sell because they had some value 🤷‍♂️ The comment I made above was more directed towards commercial airliners where the company owns a fleet of aircraft and the engines could be utilised as spares for the rest of that fleet or sold to other airlines with the same type of engine but I guess the same principle could have been applied to the Elvis aircraft

[@shadowfaxcrx5141]

@@NicholasRiviera-Dr and it's important to note, it's not just cheaper, it's a *lot* cheaper. Those engines are obscenely expensive if you buy them new. We're talking in the neighborhood of $12 million each for a 747. For that kind of money, it'd be crazy not to use the spares you have hanging off of derelict aircraft.

[@YINGYANGPOLARBEAR]

What an incredible vibe this video has 👍

[@ramses962]

It's like those two amazing big jets are staring at each other in some catatonic state.

[@richardhunt304]

Whereabouts in the world are these beauties ?

[@quantomic1106]

If they were kept in a place like Tucson, they'd still look new.

[@chrisluckhardt]

Yo dawg, nostalgia whiplash for using that Xzibit profile image!

[@quantomic1106]

@@chrisluckhardt Keeping the early 2000s alive.

[@NicholasRiviera-Dr]

@4:41 you can see that the nose wheel steering mechanism has been completely removed (well you can’t see it because it is not there 😂). All that remains is a pulley on the right @4:47 for the cable system that goes to it from the steering tiller mechanism

[@GCSantomar36]

Esse vídeo é um misto de encanto, desolação, nostalgia, em ver esses belos aviões mesmo nesse estado. Um lugar maravilhoso.