B747-400 · B747-400ER · B747-400F · B747-400ERF · B747-8 · B747-8F
Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Cargo, Cargolux, Korean Air, Lufthansa Cargo, Atlas Air, Polar Air Cargo, Air China Cargo, CargoLogicAir
Full ATPL required by virtually all B747 operators
B747 technical subjects (4-engine systems significantly more complex), simulator training, OPC, LOFT
Boeing Flight Services, FlightSafety International (Dallas-Fort Worth), CAE, Lufthansa Aviation Training (Frankfurt), Korean Air Training Centre
Specialist demand. The 747 passenger fleet is retiring but B747F freighter demand remains strong through 2030 — e-commerce growth drives cargo.
The B747 was the world's largest commercial aircraft for 37 years. In passenger service it has largely been replaced by the B777 and A350.
The B747-400F and B747-8F freighter variants are still in high production and operation — e-commerce boom has extended the type's commercial life significantly.
A B747 Captain position is often considered a career pinnacle — most holders have 10,000+ total hours.
Freighter contractors on B747 type can earn daily rates equivalent to €300,000–€450,000+ annual gross during high-demand periods.
The 4-engine type rating is increasingly rare — holders face less competition for the roles that exist and command significant salary premiums.