Aviationtag HL7473 Boeing 747 Edition

The Boeing 747-400 HL7473 Story

A Tribute to the Boeing 747 Legacy
Unveiling the Korean Air Edition

In the realm of aviation, few aircraft capture the imagination and inspire awe quite like the Boeing 747. With its unmistakable hump-shaped fuselage and majestic presence, the "Queen of the Skies" has left an indelible mark on the history of aviation. Today, we are thrilled to introduce the Korean Air Edition, the third successful cedition of Korean Air, crafted from the legendary Boeing 747 (HL7473, MSN 28335). Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the remarkable story of the Boeing 747 and its close ties with Korean Air.

When the Boeing 747 first
took to the skies in 1969, it revolutionized air travel forever. With its unprecedented size and capacity, it ushered in a new era of long-haul flights and made air travel accessible to millions of people worldwide. The iconic hump on the upper deck not only provided additional space but also became a symbol of the aircraft's unmistakable identity. Over the years, the Boeing 747 has become synonymous with comfort, luxury, and reliability in the skies.

Korean Air, established in 1969, has built a remarkable legacy of excellence in the aviation industry. With its commitment to delivering top-notch service, innovation, and safety, Korean Air has become a leading global airline. Throughout its history, Korean Air has embraced the Boeing 747 as a cornerstone of its fleet, utilizing its range, capacity, and reliability to connect passengers from around the world.

Korean Air Lines, based in Seoul and operating from Incheon Airport, is the national airline of South Korea. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air is actively involved in both passenger transportation and air cargo services through Korean Air Cargo.

The airline Korean Air Lines (shortened as KAL) was founded in 1962 and traces its roots back to Korean National Airlines of 1947.

In the 1960s, Korean Air Lines faced a severe economic crisis, which could only be overcome through privatization in 1969. Since then, Korean Air has been part of the Hanjin Group, which also includes Hanjin Heavy Industries, a shipyard.

In the following years, the airline experienced continuous growth. In 1971, a transpacific route to America was introduced, and cargo flights were launched under the name Korean Air Cargo. Korean Air received its first ordered Boeing 747-200 aircraft in 1973, and the first Airbus A300 was delivered in 1975.

On March 1, 1984, the airline was renamed Korean Air.

In the year 2000, Korean Air, together with Aeroméxico, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, founded the aviation alliance SkyTeam, which is now the second-largest alliance after Star Alliance.

As one of the early adopters of the Boeing 747, Korean Air played a pivotal role in shaping the aircraft's reputation for long-haul flights. The airline's dedication to providing a luxurious and comfortable experience led to the introduction of innovative features and amenities onboard their 747 fleet. Passengers flying with Korean Air on the Boeing 747 enjoyed spacious seating, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and renowned Korean hospitality.

Over the years, Korean Air's Boeing 747s have carried countless passengers across continents, bridging cultures, and fostering global connections. The distinctive livery of Korean Air's aircraft, with its elegant design and iconic logo, became a familiar sight at airports worldwide.

The Korean Air Edition
Aviationtag
, crafted from the fuselage of the Boeing 747 (HL7473, MSN 28335), encapsulates the spirit of Korean Air's commitment to excellence and the enduring legacy of the Boeing 747. Each Aviationtag serves as a tangible reminder of the remarkable achievements of Korean Air and the iconic aircraft that played a significant role in shaping the airline's success.

The HL7473 was delivered to Korean Air in 1996 and had an impressive operational period until 2017. Afterwards, it was torn down in San Bernardino, and Aviationtag was able to secure parts of the cabin to upcycle them into the current Aviationtag collection.

Embrace the opportunity to
own a piece of aviation history with the Korean Air Edition Aviationtag and join us in commemorating the legacy of Korean Air and the Boeing 747.


153 comments


  • Domenico

    Great Airplane, great color combination!


  • Moritz Lauten

    Even though it’s sad that almost any airline retires their 747-400s I think you do an amazing job by preserving the story’s of these aircraft👍 Hope I am the lucky one to get an HL7473 tag from the giveaway because it’s still missing in my collection :)


  • Jayme Lim

    Korean Air has always been one of my favourite airlines when traveling to other countries. After reading the blog post, I have gained a wider understanding of their operating Boeing 747 fleet throughout the years. As a matter of fact, I was shocked that the HL7473 is actually older than me! With such a rich history behind it, it would be awesome to possess a piece of this beauty with me all the time!


  • Jeremy

    Great edition! A 747 tag is always exciting.


  • Mark Byrne

    I used to be crew on the 747-200 & 300 with Air Atlanta Icelandic, the main a/c I worked on was TF-AME and proud to have the chance to cross the Atlantic on a true work horse in the aviation industry, they will be missed


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