Which Boeing aircraft is commonly called the Queen of the Skies?

The Boeing 747 is commonly called the Queen of the Skies.

The nickname reflects the aircraft’s enormous size, distinctive upper deck and historic role in making mass international air travel more affordable. The first 747 entered airline service with Pan Am in 1970.

Its hump-backed profile was created partly because Boeing expected a future supersonic passenger aircraft to take over the premium market. The raised flight deck also allowed a large main deck and helped make the aircraft adaptable to cargo use.

The 747 family includes passenger, freighter, combi and special-purpose versions. Although newer twinjets became more efficient, the 747 remained an enduring symbol of long-haul aviation.