As Boeing rounds up its iconic 747 program, it is also becoming increasingly difficult to find commercial passenger routes served by the jumbo jet. However, there are still some places in the world where you have a chance to experience the Queen of the Skies. For those nostalgic for a lingering piece of aviation history, we take a look at which airlines are still operating the legendary quadjet.

While travel restrictions have eased in most of the world, there are still countries implementing rules due to the pandemic that caused the Queen's premature exit from airline fleets. The ongoing war in Ukraine has also made it slightly more difficult for Boeing 747 aficionados to journey on the jet. Meanwhile, she is still making her presence very much felt in the global skies.

Air China

The Beijing-headquartered carrier has ten 747s within its fleet. Three units are -400s. However, all three are currently listed as inactive. The rest of the Air China 747 aircraft are -8s. According to ch-aviation, only two of the seven -8s are currently active. One of them is registered as B-2479 and is a special VIP unit.

None of this is surprising, given the ongoing restrictions on international air travel in China stemming from the government's zero-COVID policy. Meanwhile, domestic traffic in China is quite substantial, and Air China is utilizing its one active commercial 747-8 capacity on services between Beijing and Guangzhou. When restrictions are lifted, passengers may again be able to fly on them to the likes of Los Angeles and New York.

Asiana Airlines

While Asiana holds several 747s in its fleet, only one of these is a passenger variant. The 747-400 has registration HL7428 and can fit 398 passengers onboard the aircraft. Its capacity is split between 10 first, 24 business, and 364 economy seats. Until May this year, the airline operated on routes between Seoul and Changchun, China, and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

However, on May 17, the aircraft flew to Taipei, did not return to Korea, and is now listed as inactive. It is difficult to say whether it will come back into regular service.

Korean Air

The Korean flag carrier is a fan of the 747-8 (and one of only three passenger operators to have taken delivery of the type), holding both the 747-8I and 747-8F in addition to the 747-400F. With the 8I being the only passenger variant in the fleet, this will be the type that the carrier's passengers would be hoping to fly on (unless stowing away in a cargo hold - not recommended).

Currently, six out of the ten passenger 747-8s in Korean's fleet are listed as active.

Interestingly enough, in recent weeks, the planes have only been operating from Seoul to Honolulu, Hawaii. That is apart from HL7643, a special configuration operated on behalf of the South Korean government. Since it is hidden from public tracking sites, there is no telling where it has been flying.

With six first, 48 business, and 314 economy seats, Korean Air is proud of its premium offering with the 747-8, which can apparently be found, for the time being, exclusively on flights from ICN to HNL.

Lufthansa

Fortunately for fans of the Queen, the 747 remains an integral part of Lufthansa's fleet, with the airline holding two models of the icon. The flag carrier of Germany has 19 747-8s, which have been heading to destinations across Mexico, the United States, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, India, Brazil, and Argentina, so you have a very good chance of finding yourself on one when traveling long-haul out of the airline's hubs in Munich and Frankfurt.

Lufthansa brought its 747-400 aircraft back to life after 18 months in October. The operator has eight units of this variant, and along with the 747-8, we can expect to continue to see them in the skies throughout 2022 and beyond.

Mahan Air

Mahan Air has two Boeing 747-400s, one of which is currently active. EP-MME is currently hopping along the Teheran to Beijing route, so should you find yourself traveling between Iran and China, why not seek out this specimen which is now close to 32 years old, for a bit of aviation history.

Along with the 747-400s, the Iranian carrier interestingly holds a 747-300. However, it is presently listed as inactive and it is highly uncertain if the airline will bring back the 36-year-old to passenger service. But you never know as Mahan Air reactivated its -300 aircraft on domestic routes last year.

Rossiya Russian Airlines

The Aeroflot subsidiary holds a sizeable 747-400 fleet of nine units. Before February 24, the jets were busy flying to the likes of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Antalya, and Paphos. However, due to the destructive events over the past few months and following sanctions, the airline grounded the high-capacity aircraft.

Meanwhile, it recently reactivated three to operate domestic services to leisure destination Sochi. Eight units hold 12 business and 510 economy, while one plane has 12 first class, 26 business, and 409 economy seats.

Catch her while you can

Altogether, it's been a challenging period for the 747, with British Airways, Qantas, and KLM all key names that have retired the jumbo since the rise of the pandemic. Moreover, the plane was let go by several airlines even before the global health crisis amid fleet renewal strategies.

Notably, a significant portion of the passenger jumbo jets currently in service are 747-8s, which have only been in the air for a decade. The legacy variants are becoming increasingly harder to come by these days - but it is possible if you are willing to apply some effort.

The 747 production program is winding down. With only a handful of airlines still flying the legend, and more transformations expected within the market, now is the time to appreciate it while you can.

Overall, what are your thoughts about the last remaining passenger Boeing 747 aircraft? Are you sad to see its service decline in recent years? Also, are you looking to fly on any of these units over the next year? Let us know what you think of the Queen of the Skies in the comment section.