Saying goodbye to the Queen: our tour of Virgin Atlantic’s last Boeing 747 (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of our press preview of Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 747 retirement event yesterday. Part 1 is here.

Crossing under the aircraft, we moved to the opposite wing where one engine was unfurled for engineering work:

Which exposed the complex piping of the turbofan:

We also took a peek into the forward cargo hold:

Virgin has flown over 3,500 dedicated cargo flights since the pandemic started, transporting essentials such as PPE. With lots of routes suspended worldwide many airlines are now flying cargo-only flights and are even putting cargo into the cabin.

Back on board, we took a look at the flight deck, which is situated in the nose on the upper deck of the aircraft:

Before I got carried away and reversed Pretty Woman out of the hangar, I opened the flight deck’s emergency escape hatch:

What an amazing view!

After our tour of the aircraft we sat down for a three course meal in the exclusive 14-seat Upper Class cabin in the nose:

The champagne was free-flowing….

I had the mozzarella and tomato salad:

The Dingley Dell pork belly:

…and a cheese selection to finish.

It was a wonderful reminder of long-haul travel and a taster – I hope – of what 2021 has in store for us. Touch wood ….

Conclusion

The 747 has played an iconic role in aviation since its debut in 1970. In the last 50 years it has flown passengers from virtually every corner of the earth – and made a lot of memories in the process.

The retirement of Virgin’s 747s is the bittersweet end of an era. On the one hand, these aircraft are iconic with their unique profile.

On the other hand, they are gas guzzlers, and newer aircraft are both more efficient and more enjoyable with quieter cabins and higher cabin pressurisation to reduce jet lag.

It will be sad to see the 747s go – but at least they’re leaving in style.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.