‘Papa Echo’ which has since left the passenger fleet, seen here arriving at runway 20R on December 26, 2008.

One of the highlights for many of us when spotting at Changi Coast Road in the past was the early morning arrival of a Singapore Airlines B747-400 from New York via Frankfurt. 9V-SPP with the old Star Alliance livery was photographed moments from touching down on runway 02C in December 2006 on a clear Saturday morning.

Aviation enthusiast rushing to catch a good picture of the ‘Queen of the Skies’  at the Singapore Airshow 2012. On the 6th of April 2012, it will mark the retirement of the Boeing 747 after nearly four decades of service with commemorative flights between Singapore and Hong Kong. Let us pay tribute Boeing 747, the ‘Queen of the Skies’.

Boeing B747 which is fondly known as ‘Jumbo’  or ‘Queen of the Skies’ reflecting upon its past with one of the world’s most famous airlines – Singapore Airlines – after nearly 40 years in service.

Taking the turn onto Changi Airport’s RWY20C in preparation for takeoff onboard 9V-SPH, operating the SQ219 (now SQ211) service to Sydney on 05 October 2009, as dark clouds loom menacingly overhead, indicating an impending storm; an unfriendly day for flying.

The Upper Deck of the Singapore Airlines B747-400 was always a special place to be seated. I always felt like a privileged guest to be seated “up top”. A special place, a special memory, made even better when a Singapore Girl would quietly move up and down the aisle checking that all passengers were well taken care of. Thank you Singapore Airlines

The Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 will soon be a thing of the past.

The 1000th Boeing 747 built rolls out on RWY02L after touchdown from New York via Frankfurt as SQ26. The image was captured on 13 June 2010.

After 38 years of sterling passenger service with Singapore Airlines, it is time to reflect on the retirement of the Queen of the Skies. SIA will operate a commemorative flight on 6 April 2012 from Singapore to Hong Kong (SQ747) and from Hong Kong to Singapore (SQ748).

“Papa Quebec” sits under threatening skies at the Changi Exhibition Centre during the Singapore Airshow 2012.