Remarks: JAL was one of the largest operators of the 747 classic and at their peak were a multiple daily sight in Hong Kong. We we were fortunate to still receive them when they were down to just a handful of -300s in 2008 and 2009 on the Tokyo service. JA8186 was one of the last classics to be retired from JAL's fleet. It was then acquired by Orient Thai as HS-UTS and leased to Garuda in 2008. It’s been with Max Air of Nigeria as 5N-MBB since 2009. Hopefully it’s still flying!
Remarks: JALways 743 making a runway 25L departure back to Tokyo on a fine July day. They were a subsidiary of JAL & their other 747s had these colourful “Reso’cha” schemes too.
I miss these colourful classics and 747 classics in general as their numbers dwindle sharply every year.
Remarks: (Del 2/88) thundering away from Rwy 34L operating as JL778 to Kansai. This aircraft was eventually painted in the current JAL livery prior to being disposed of in October 2008 to Orient Thai Airways as HS-UTS.
Remarks: Not sure how much life is left in this old bird with the JAL group. Many of their other classics have gone already. Nice to see such a colourful scheme though.
