Singapore Airlines is giving the faithful Boeing 747 a send-off at the show ahead of the jumbo's retirement from passenger services at the end of March after nearly four decades of service.

"The B747 was the flagship aircraft in SIA's fleet for nearly four decades, serving us through much of our history, and it is only fitting that we mark its retirement in a special way," said the airline's executive vice president commercial, Mak Swee Wah.

SIA's last passenger 747-400 (9V-SPQ) is gracing the static display for the last three days of the show, ahead of the final scheduled flights from Singapore to Melbourne and back on 24-25 March. A special commemorative flight is also planned before the final farewell. The type continues to serve the airline's cargo arm, which operates 13 747-400Fs.

Source: Flight International