Her Majesties Heyday
by Alex Esguerra
Title
Her Majesties Heyday
Artist
Alex Esguerra
Medium
Photograph - Color
Description
November 7th is right around the corner, and with it closes 747 service for United Airlines. With that thought comes no small bit of sadness - United was a mainstay US user of the type for almost 50 years!
My memories of UA 747s launching and landing out of my home airport are strong ones. Since 1994, I have had the pleasure of working amongst them, from the -100s to the -400s. I have watched them fly in and out of San Francisco, marveling at their sheer size and surprising grace. My only regret is not being more of a shutterbug prior to 2003; otherwise, I might have had the -100, -200, and -SP in the Saul bass livery in my portfolio. Nope, I started my snapping-habit back in the Battleship livery, and all my camera has ever known is the -400.
This particular photo was taken back in 2016. Sharp eyes will notice no less than five UA 747s in the photo, with two being moved from the maintenance area while one launches for her Trans-Pacific run, something the 747 was practically made for. The Queens were in their prime back then; it's this sight of their heyday that I will fondly remember.
Uploaded
November 5th, 2017
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