The Story Of KLM’s Stretched Upper Deck Boeing 747-200s

In 2020, KLM retired its last Boeing 747 aircraft. This brought the curtain down on nearly half a century of jumbo jet operations at the Dutch flag carrier. The first variant of the ‘Queen of the skies’ that KLM operated was the 747-200, which initially had the same short upper deck as the original 747-100. However, several examples of KLM’s 747-200s ended up having a stretched upper deck, which would eventually become a standard feature on later 747s, but there’s an interesting story behind how these came to be...
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747 KLM Vintage commercial • KLM commercial 1988
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[@ConcordeError404]

This 747-200's in St Maarten truly are the most iconic photo in aviation

[@neunundfuenfzigposition]

agreed

[@BigPops757]

I thought it was the -300

[@skylineXpert]

If they came in lower than the -400 then... But it doesnt beat the send off PH-BFN had as the last 747 in regular service to the island. Flew with federation square a332 to SXM. It wasnt the same but still.

[@daftvader4218]

No it is not.... The most iconic photo in aviation is a KLM embedded in another B747....... Worst aviation accident ever... Fact not opinion.

[@johndoe528]

@@daftvader4218 everything about that is opinion, including the hyperbolic use of "fact not opinion" to express how strongly you hold that opinion.

[@johnsmith02]

Japan Airlines had some 747-100 SUD's and were used on high density domestic routes with 550 or so passengers. It was built with stretched upper deck, not converted like the KLM examples.

[@azmike1956]

John Smith, I knew about the high density configuration but not the upper deck stretch. Cool, thanks.

[@kingsharkoon]

That is not entirely true. The planes were built normally and then stretched before delivery to JAL. :)

[@Bellasie1]

@@kingsharkoon JAL's domestic 747-100SR (SUD or not) were anything but "normally built", they were a special order unique to the Japanese carriers.

[@pietschreuder5047]

JAL also had some 747-400 high density aircraft, without the winglets. So they looked -300's

[@daftvader4218]

@@pietschreuder5047 They were the stretched -200 !!!

[@EruYagami]

I always considered those as the 747-300 type… never knew they were customised -200 airplanes.

[@kingsharkoon]

They are really the same plane. Close enough. ;)

[@AidenTheAviator]

That one picture of the non-stretched KLM 747-200 is PH-BUF. The same 747 involved in the Tenerife airport collision in 1977 which is the deadliest aviation accident of all time, with 583 people being killed.

[@JerjerB]

Omg

[@sytrxrainz3769]

The chronology in the video is a little wrong as the SUD conversion was offered AFTER (not before) the 747-300 arrived on the market to bring some late model -200s up to -300 standard. By the time the -300 arrived plans were already well underway for the -400, hence it's low sales.

[@georgemallory797]

Thank you. You are correct.

[@stinooke]

As a kid, I used to fly these every year from AMS to IAH to visit my grandparents who live in south Texas! I once charmed one of the flight attendants with a drawing of the plane, and was rewarded with a visit to the flight deck. This was pre 9/11, of course. Absolutely unforgettable!

[@MarcvanExel]

I have an original photo somewhere that was taken by KLM during this refit of one off their aircraft. Is shows the aircraft minus the roof and the new installed flooring for the upperdeck is visible. Have to find it again but it's really nice.

[@karl810]

I'd love to see that, let us know if you upload it somewhere, or if there are any videos of the upgrade available anywhere.

[@bjornrommens9606]

I've flown on one of the final flights of KLMs' 747-200 in the stretched upper deck. It was truly a humbling experience.

[@danielraas2148]

Very interesting point indeed ! I had always thought it was the 300 that had stretched the upper deck.. Thank you for enlightening us !

[@funtimefreddyreis7087]

Wow! I was wondering why klm b747-200’s had stretched upper deck! Thanks for the information.

[@lollywoodproduction1]

there is one preserved in the aviodrome in lelystad the netherlands it is a 747-200 Combi SUD Reg: PH-BUK

[@explorenaked]

I'm wondering why the pilots and flight attendants kept doing the same thing.

[@alooga555]

I felt "special" whenever I had a chance to fly on the upper deck of the original 747-200. It was very quiet, too (but flight attendants liked to knock us out with liberal serving of alcohol).

[@c128stuff]

Been there as well, quite nice indeed.

[@MonaLisa.mp4]

ok.....

[@book_add5151]

​@@MonaLisa.mp4why do you need to reply so awkwardly? That was so uncalled for

[@MonaLisa.mp4]

ok.....

[@book_add5151]

@@MonaLisa.mp4 my dude just stop being awkward

[@alexandermartinristl4634]

this was a great video. very enjoyable because it features the very rare 747-200 with the extended top. I have seen this plane many years ago once or twice and was always wondering about it. Great video as always and always!

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@scpatl4now]

I flew on the 747-400 in the "bubble" several times on Qantas. I am so glad I got the chance to fly on the "Queen of the Sky"

[@Lee247Jamaica]

What makes it more cool is that they flew these to St Marteen

[@Aleksandar6ix]

I am happy to say that I've flown aboard this variant with KLM between Toronto and Amsterdam in 2000. I even have a 1:200 diecast model of it.

[@buggerall]

They haven't all gone yet. While KLM has decommissioned all of their 747's, Martinair still leases 3 KLM livery 747's of the 400ERF variant. Those are still out there. There are also two on display although one of those lost its beautiful blue color. One is a 200 (PH-BUK) at the Aviodome still in KLM livery.

[@pjsingh4869]

No, I was not aware of it earlier. Thanks for the informative video.

[@frutdafruit]

Has no one noticed, that the original 747-200 picture they used is PH-BUF; the one that collided with the Pan Am 747-100 (N736PA) and caused *the Tenerife Disaster?*

[@Lee247Jamaica]

I did

[@scpatl4now]

Wow...that is some real attention to detail. You win the AVIGEEK prize for today!

[@ljacobs357]

Flew on the KLM 747 combis from Amsterdam to Houston many times in the upper deck. Lovely aircraft. Always enjoy KLM.

[@chadsimpson1140]

That is Awesome!! I did not now about the stretch 200's. great video. Thank you

[@subwooferbone]

My first intercontinental flight was on a KLM 747-200 combi back in 1988, AMS-YMX. Have spent a lot of hours in KLM 747s, sad to see them go last year without any opportunity of a farewell flight. Yes, the IFE was getting long in the tooth and no onboard wifi (which I consider a plus) but a good, reliable and fast jet. Blame it on the ´rona...

[@TheDutchMitchell]

I’ve spoken to mechanics who worked on the conversion. When the whole roof section was off, even they had their doubts that the airplane would ever fly again. Such a drastic modification!

[@jouniairplanevideos]

my great grand father used to work for KLM for 43 years!!! He worked on the 747 as well. So I think he worked on them before and ofter mofidications!

[@megatop412]

An interesting part of 747 history. You should do a video on the differences on the # of upper deck windows across the different models and how it is not always easy to ID a -100 from a -200 based on the # of windows. I still can't keep that straight in my head.

[@zerobeat2020]

I very much remember the excitement of the introduction of 747-200 and the modification to SUD, as my late father flew these particular aircraft for KLM for many years.

[@Holland1994D]

I think have flown with the 747-300 during the 90s and early somewhere at 2001/2002, which I still remember (not the 90s). Then with the 747-400, and a few years ago a couple of times with the combi variants. Iconic times

[@K1W1fly]

The stretched upper deck actually used fuselage frames from the 747SP programme - the back of the "hump" on the SP is in the same position relative to the wing as on the SUD variants.

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

In 1972 some friends and I flew from Houston to Amsterdam for a vacation. We did without working amenities such as reading lights and attendant call systems because, apparently, the KLM techs had not yet learned how to maintain the multiplexed cabin control and indication systems. Same results on the return flight.

[@kamranahmad4592]

I knew about the JAL 747-100 SUDs (I believe they were delivered that way) but the modded 200s to SUD is news to me. Thanks!

[@737Garrus]

No, I didn't know about the 747-200 SUD. Thanks, Simple Flying!

[@cellpat2686]

I remember seeing pics of KLM's 747s and noticed how much more attractive they looked. Then on seeing an article on I think Airways or Airliners magazine in the 1980s I remember seeing each photo was explained as 747-200 (SUD) and when (SUD) was explained I finally learned what that was. It totally made the plane more modern and more attractive. Nice move by KLM.

[@kimh]

I flew from Toronto to Amsterdam in 1972 on KLM's original 747, with just the three windows on the upper deck on each side, and the privilege of taking the spiral staircase to go up there, as the upper deck was a lounge open to all. I could even see into the cockpit. It was 2019 before I flew to Holland again, and I was startled to see that it appeared to be the same plane! Knowing that was unlikely, I noted the one discernible difference - many more windows on the upper deck. Just one more thing which no one seems to mention: in 1972 the plane had nine seats across each row. In 2019 it was ten. The seats became narrower as people got wider.

[@Cali_Lux_Cruiser]

Wow! That’s cool!

[@MattCruiser]

KLM didn't convert 2 freighter 747-200's, but two of the stretched combis would eventually be converted to cargo planes making them 747SF's

[@BNU30C]

I was just about to ask why they stretched the two freighters.

[@kingsharkoon]

Nice try but the BCF (not BCSF) term only came with the 747-400 and thus the 200s are 200SFs. :)

[@9h3qh]

Indeed, KLM never owned B747-200 freighters! The first 2 CF6-50E2 powered B747-200's (Combi's) PH-BUH + PH-BUI where later converted to full freighters with cargo loading only thru the maindeck-cargodoor (so no nose-cargodoor was available!) I work(ed) on every KLM & Martinair owned B747(-200/-300/-400) except the PH-BUF which crashed before I joined KLM (E&M) 😢

[@volador2828]

I have flown in the KLM 747-200 a few times. It was awesome.

[@rossmason8812]

I never knew this and the 747 is my favourite aircraft.

[@pietschreuder5047]

There is a 747-200 SUD preserved on Lelystad airport, the KLM PH-BUK. It made a magnificent journey on a barge trough Amsterdam from Schiphol. I saw that and what a huge plane it is, when seeing it, standing on de side of the canal!

[@locoLocotrains]

Japan Airlines also had the SUD 747, but they’re were the 747-SR/SUD on domestic routes

[@moow950]

KLM has the most beautiful livery of all airlines

[@commerce-usa]

Had no idea that the SUD was an option on the -200. Neat video, will miss her iconic shape at airports and in the skies.

[@grooveyman]

Yes. A truly majestic aircraft.

[@mrpeel3239]

Never knew. Great content.

[@paulo.3065]

I had no idea KLM was the forerunner. Thanks for the video!

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@alekhidell9373]

The KLM short upper deck shown PH-BUF was the plane involved in the Tenerife disaster

[@easternorient]

KLM procured 2 tranches of 747-200s. The first 7 came with P&W JT9D-7F and the later 10 with the GE CF6-50E2. It was the GE fleet that got the SUD treatment. Also, Japan Airlines purchased 2 late mark 747-100B SR (Short Range) with SUD in early 1980s for domestic operations. Due to increase weight the JAL aircraft had -200B engines in the form of JT9D-7J. These were factory direct unlike the KLM and UTA fleet. These curious mix heritage aircraft became known as 747-146B SR/SUD.

[@joaobaptista8377]

The SR was Only Made For JAL

[@easternorient]

@@joaobaptista8377 Actually anyone could buy them but only JAL and ANA bought them.

[@caltrain910]

ANA operated the 747SR

[@tedkowalik2934]

I believe only the GE CFL6 powered aircraft had the strech accomplished due to the increase in power over the Pratt powered 100 series aircraft. Having all the varients of the 47 in the KLM fleet made releasing these aircraft for service from a maintenance stand point unique. Although all 47's are similar, there are differences. The upper deck doors and escape slides for example. I worked turns for KLM in Vancouver from the 90's through to 2017 and mainly saw the 47 combis.

[@ATIMELINEOFAVIATION]

Cool! I never knew about this

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

Stretch hump 747-200 + 747-400 Combi = uncommon fleet🛫😍

[@georgemallory797]

Did NOT know this. I always assumed SUD 747's were the -300 models if they didn't have winglets.

[@t.w.3]

Flew on the upper deck with KLM 747 a few times. Amazing airplanes. A bygone era of aviation.

[@ntuthukodlame1894]

Ths was informative

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@dufus7396]

50 yrs of 747s ..incredible

[@newforcemedia]

Did anyone noticed that the 747-200 (PH-BUF) displayed at 1:28, is actually the aircraft that was involved in the Tenerife Disaster?

[@gluecksdrache2054]

This is not useful information. Aircrafts are the safest means of transport.

[@newforcemedia]

@@gluecksdrache2054 I know. It was just a trivia comment ;)

[@AirportPlaneSpotting]

I’ve had the joy to fly on 2 747’s in my life, though they were operating for B.A at the time

[@SoonerDan77]

Did you know about JAL's 747-146SR/SUD, yep all versions of the 747 (100-200-300-400-8) have the stretched upper deck at least available.

[@theharper1]

Interesting! I thought that the 747-400 was the first stretched upper deck. I don't think that I've flown on a "combi" either.

[@nickfliesplaces]

I didn’t have a clue but that’s super cool that, that is how it was born, personally love the 400 proportions of the upper deck over the 8i

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@nicholasho3677]

I had many enjoyable memories flying the ex-KLM 747-200SUD in Phuket Airlines.

[@Randomvideos-zi7pe]

The stretched upper deck for passenger variants seems to be so more more natural than the initial ones. Now looking at it the klm modified ones look better

[@adamrameli1990]

Cool

[@jonnymoka]

I spent some time on a KLM flight In 1988 from LAX to Amsterdam. They had Colorado river water on board on tap.

[@ThePearson1945]

Flew in to Singapore 🇸🇬 in 1988 ✈

[@111Swissair]

Yes I did know about the KLM 747-200 modifications but I thought the aircraft’s changed their model numbers to 747-300’s. I also didn’t know about the elimination of the middle doors on the fuselage main deck.

[@keesvandenbroek331]

To put the record straight: KLM operated in total 20 "classic" B747's. seven -206 with P&W JT9 engines. These were never converted to SUD's. Thereafter 10 -206 with CF6 engines, which were later converted to SUD's and three straight -306. Except for the PH-BUF, which sadly met it's demise on Tenerife, I seved proudly on all of them as a Flight Engineer. Brings back memories......

[@Holland1994D]

Weet je toevallig welke configuraties naar Mexico vlogen?

[@keesvandenbroek331]

@@Holland1994D Heb nog in mijn logboeken gekeken maar is geen peil op te trekken: JT9, CF6 machines full pax, combi's alles door elkaar. Vanaf ongeveer 1992 is de -400 op deze route gezet. De "Classics" haalden het niet rechtstreeks, dus dat was een combi met Houston.

[@stevenclarke5606]

I flew on a Virgin Atlantic 747 to Orlando international airport, the upper deck was out of my finances, I was on the front row of the lower deck and had ample leg room, probably the best flight I’ve had.

[@user-kp8tv7qt3p]

1:30 the PH-BUF is the plane that crash in the Pan America 747 in Tenerife

[@jfmezei]

From a certification point of view, how did Boeing get the OK to provide SUD conversions to -200s? Or did those conversions happen coincidental with the -300 flight testing? Were the converted -200s get a -300 type rating? The 747-400 brought in a "rrevolution". Glass 2 person cockpit instead of 3 (huge savings) as well as increased range with 4 engines at a time where ETOPS made increased range useless. So it opened up many long range non stops that requred a stop before. This is why you saw huge sales of 747 at that time. But the time the 747-8 came along, it competed against amny other planes with equal or grater range and ETOPS now allowed the same flights/routes on twins so the -8 was simply an incremental improvement on the 747, not a revolution on flights as trhe -400 introduced.

[@kingsharkoon]

The 200 SUD is 100% exactly the same as the 300. Type rating has to do with the flyability which causes 100 through 300 to have the same.

[@michaeloreilly657]

Could you do something on Combi Aircraft, if you haven't already?

[@chrislohphotography]

Check out the video on this channel from February 14th

[@uncinarynin]

My first flight to the USA was in one of these, back in 1998.

[@smitwijs]

Best airplane on holiday to Canada 👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@stoomtreinenmeer]

It is striking that the KLM had 747 - 200 sud for cargo because you don't really need that upper deck for cargo

[@viscount757]

KLM only converted their later GE-powered 747-200s delivered starting in 1975 to the SUD configuration. Their original Pratt & Whitney powered 747-200s, all delivered in 1971, weren't converted. KLM was the first operator of the 747-200 (the 96th 747 built), delivered to KLM in January 1971, although the first 747-200 built (the 88th 747) went to Northwest Airlines in March 1971. In addition to the convered 747-200SUDs, KLM also took delivery of 3 factory-built 747-300s.

[@TrainerCTZ]

Knew nothing of this beauty

[@AaronShenghao]

The stretched upper deck also have a more pronounced effect on so called Area Rule, compared to original 747. (Narrowing cross section of the fuselage over the wings to minimize wave drag at transonic speeds. Mirage and some jet fighter such as F-5 have very pronounced effect on their fuselage)

[@jayvanasten6238]

Yes I know...........I've got a great book about the Farewell of KLM's 747's... As you can see in this video,...they also changed the engines from P&W JT9 to GE CF6...because of the extra weight, and to get better performance with less fuel consumption. This operation was done by KLM technicians. The first versions of the 747 only had first serie P&W JT9's......later more powerful versions and other engine option came available like the GE CF6 and RR RB211 which were better suited in case of power, weight and economy... After that KLM ordered all their newer 747 with GE CF6 engines,.......also because their DC10 fleet had that same engine type, same as later purchased wide body aircraft like MD11's, 767-300's and A310's Which was significantly easier with maintenance in terms of training for their technicans..... Still in these days GE is main supplier for KLM.

[@casimirodasilvasantoshe-hi5797]

I was privileged and fortunate to fly these birds. The Flying Dutchman.

[@busslayer4790]

My head tells me this plane with a big hump on its back should be really ugly. But for whatever reason, the 747 is just so handsome. 🥰

[@mariombrbovic8188]

Hence, the title THE QUEEN OF THE SKIES for over fifty yrs. Boeing’s B52 and 747’ were durable aircraft for the ages and the B52’s have a projected range of 75 years..

[@tommcglone2867]

1:31 The 747 with the standard upper deck is the same KLM 747 that was destroyed at Tenerife. Thats PH-BUF

[@thihal123]

Miss the old KLM. We used to fly than frequently.

[@robin.nieuwenkamp]

You can see the PH-BUK at Aviodrome in Lelystad its a 747-206SUD combi

[@philipsmith1041]

You mention reduction in fuel consumption per seat mile, but that is based on there being more seats. Have you any information about overall reduction in fuel consumption due to improved / decreased aerodynamics. I did know about this from years ago, didn't know that only a were modified, thought it was more. Thank you

[@TheDutchMitchell]

I would assume the lower fuel consumption per seat/km is only due to the increase in total amount of seats.

[@bignessgta5]

I was wondering how it was a 747-200, I thought it must of had the 200 number but still be a 747-300

[@CRJ08]

I didn't know, but I know the stretched hump was area ruled and helped performance.

[@jamieaislabie9756]

NoI did not know Cool report on the 747;400 strech

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@SPINNAKER05]

KLM

[@willlook]

Well...I flew on these KLM planes in 1992, from MOntreal to Koweit city via Amsterdam....and at the time , and all since then, I thought I had flown 747-300's. In these times, as I could show my private pilot licence and my connection to a flight training school (which was not al all a factor in those happy times) , I was paid a visit to the cockpit. ANd incidently, on leaving Koweit, my , and companion traveller baggages were opened unknown to us, and while I did not loose anything, my friend had several precious (gold) objects bouight there stolen. Mine were in my hand baggage.

[@bramsmits1529]

Anyone know the reason to do this on those 2 freighters? Or did they uput pax in there as a sort of stealth combi?

[@stevenprinsen9034]

I happen to know about the 747-200SUD, I'm actually doing a study in Aviation and had to write a report about it.

[@hackimro]

Great videos and coverage, and enjoyed this one too but what is a 747-200 combi and why a very very passing mention of the 747-400---Just my 2 cents as they say here in the USA

[@tommcglone2867]

A combi is an aircraft which can carry both passengers and cargo together.

[@tfsvids4117]

Everything has its story

[@paulshi5974]

I wonder if the SUD modification allowed for an increase in cruising speed as well on the 200s? I heard that the 300s had an increase in cruising speed from M 0.84 to M 0.85 thanks to the SUD. I don't know if the SUD 200s flew faster than standard 200s.

[@kingsharkoon]

There is no difference in cruising speed of the 200 and 300.

[@ladenscarf]

so sad to see the a380 and 747s getting retired

[@thihal123]

So what’s the reason for klm stretching their 747-200? I thought the video would provide an explanation, but it didn’t

[@manuellangius2896]

There,s one here nearby in a museum..the AVIODROME :)

[@rcri99]

Can someone explain what a Combi is?

[@gauravdubay7419]

I didn't know what SUD stood for until now.

[@Photojouralist123]

No I had no idea

[@amargoun]

Please check if there were some B747-200 SUD flying in Japan.

[@jaysmith1408]

So then would the freighters have shortened upper decks? The -400 and -800F both have them. Would that then be an option for passenger (for whatever reason someone would want one)?

[@Mikeabet]

I ve flown on air France 380 out of NY 2 years ago . I went business class and was very impressed with the legroom and will definitely fly and pay more if I had a choice .

[@buggerall]

@Dr Weirdgloves I was so utterly and completely thinking the same thing.

[@Holland1994D]

Today I did some pull and chin ups

[@Samovarius]

SUD's were also installed on JAL 747-100B SR's

[@spongebubatz]

These 747-100s were already built with stretched upper decks, they weren’t added later like it was the case with the KLM 747s