Airlines constantly tweak their schedules, trying to find profitable new routes or pulling the plug on ones that have underperformed. Airports and communities court these new services.
There are dozens of changes to airline routes each month. Here's a look at some of the most interesting:
The sunny South Pacific, non-stop via San Francisco
Those dreaming of a vacation to the South Pacific are getting a new option to fly non-stop from the mainland United States.
United Airlines is turning to Tahiti for its latest overseas route, part of a robust international expansion by the carrier in 2017.
Full report: United Airlines will fly to Tahiti
So long, Queen of the Skies: United's Boeing 747 farewell flight was one to remember
United will begin flying to the South Pacific island Oct. 30. The airline will offer three flights a week between its San Francisco hub and Papeete, the capital of the French Polynesia territory that includes Tahiti. United will use Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” jets for the flights, which will take about eight hours. The seasonal service is scheduled to run through March 28.
The Tahiti flights continue what has been a torrid international expansion for United during the past year. The carrier launched 13 new international routes, including to new destinations in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Porto, Portugal.
United launches first international route on 'stretch' Dreamliner
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United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at LAX's Terminal 7, gate 74, on Oct. 26, 2014 prior to launching nonstop service to Melbourne, Australia.
United Airlines
Crew pose for a themed picture at Los Angeles International on Oct. 26, 2014, ahead of the launch of United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service to Melbourne, Australia.
United Airlines
A passenger boards United Flight 98 on Oct. 26, 2014 at LAX. It was United's inaugural flight to Melbourne on the airline's new 787-9 Dreamliner.
United Airlines
Young BusinessFirst passengers on United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the carrier’s launch of service between Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 26, 2014.
United Airlines
The factory roll-out of United Airlines' first Boeing 787-9 on April 8, 2014, at Boeing's production line in Everett, Wash.
United Airlines
United representatives and Australian officials perform a ribbon cutting for the launch of the airline's new nonstop Dreamliner service to Melbourne on Oct. 26, 2014.
United Airlines
BusinessFirst passengers are given pre-departure drinks after boarding United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the carrier’s launch of service between Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 26, 2014.
United Airlines
Passengers board United's BusinessFirst cabin on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the launch of the airline's new nonstop service from LAX to Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 26, 2014.
United Airlines
Dave Hilfman, United's SVP of Worldwide Sales, welcomes customers, officials and employees to the launch of the airline's new nonstop Dreamliner service to Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 26, 2014.
United Airlines
This undated file photo provided by United shows one a United 787-9 taking off on a Boeing test flight from Boeing's production line facility in Everett, Wash.
United Airlines
Passengers board United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at LAX's Terminal 7, gate 74, on Oct. 26, 2014 prior to the launch of the airline’s nonstop service to Melbourne, Australia.
United Airlines
A passenger is welcomed at Los Angeles International on Oct. 26, 2014, as she boards United's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service to Melbourne, Australia.
United Airlines
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Norwegian Air expansion spree
Norwegian Air is at it again, announcing four new U.S. routes in the latest expansion for a carrier that already billed itself as the “world’s fastest-growing airline.”
The low-cost carrier will add three new European destinations to its U.S. lineup: Amsterdam, Madrid and Milan.
Full report: Norwegian adds four new Europe routes; fares from $199 one way
The service also will expand Norwegian’s presence in the USA’s two biggest cities. From New York JFK, Norwegian will add new non-stop service to Amsterdam and Madrid. The additions will give Norwegian non-stop service from JFK to nine destinations. Los Angeles, Milan and Madrid will add to Norwegian’s seven existing routes there. Flights on all of the new routes will be on Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Just in 2017, Norwegian has added 25 new routes from U.S. airports. More growth is coming in 2018; Norwegian already has announced plans for 11 new routes between the USA and Europe.
Today in the Sky: Nine hours in economy? These fliers bid big bucks for the chance (story continues below)
'Avgeeks' bid their way on to Norwegian Air's 737 Max delivery flight
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Cabin crew member Anna Ronnow serves champagne to passengers aboard Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight, en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren / Special
Capts. Godfrey Higgins (left) and Pat Campbell complete pre-flight checklists before flying Norwegian Air's first Boeing 737 Max home to its Oslo, Norway headquarters on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the flight, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max delivery flight, en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Cabin crew member Anna Ronnow serves champagne to passengers on Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight, en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren / Special
A meal on Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight as it is en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Norwegian Air's first Boeing 737 Max 8 jet departs Seattle's Boeing Field on its delivery flight to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Norwegian Air's first Boeing 737 Max 8 jet flies over Seattle on its delivery flight to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max delivery flight on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max delivery flight on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the flight, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Norwegian Air founder and CEO BjørnKjos poses for a photo on board his company's first Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft as it is en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max delivery flight on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 MAX delivery flight, en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Passengers, most of whom bid to win tickets in a charity auction, relax aboard a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A scene from Norwegian Air's Boeing 737 Max 8 delivery flight as it was en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
A glacier flows between mountains in far eastern Canada, as seen from a Norwegian Air 737 Max 8 delivery flight on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
Norwegian Air founder and CEO BjørnKjos poses for a photo on board his company's first Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft as it is en route to Oslo on June 29, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special for USA TODAY
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Cathay Pacific’s new longest route is to Washington, D.C.
Cathay Pacific will begin flying to Washington Dulles, adding a route that would become the longest in the carrier’s network.
The Hong Kong-based airline — highly regarded for its service — will begin a schedule of four weekly Hong Kong-Washington flights Sept. 16. Cathay Pacific will use its new Airbus A350-100 jets for the service.
The route would be the longest offered not only for Cathay Pacific, but also for both the Hong Kong and Washington Dulles airports, covering a distance of 8,153 miles, according to the carrier.
Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Washington route would become one of the world's 15th longest based on current airline schedules, according to flight information provided to USA TODAY this summer by airline data firm OAG. (story continues below)
#avgeek photo gallery: Cool airplane pics from Hong Kong and Taipei
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Airplanes are prepped for departure from Hong Kong International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An HK Express Airbus A321 lands in Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An American Airlines Boeing 777-300 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An El Al Boeing 777-200 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A China Airlines Boeing 747-400 rests at the gate at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A HongKong Airlines Airbus A330 lands in Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A China Airlines Airbus A330 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A peach Airbus A320 lands at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An Emirates Boeing 777-300 lands in Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A HongKong Airlines Airbus A330 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
The central terminal of Hong Kong International Airport in the late evening on Aug. 20, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A HK Express Airbus A320 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A China Airlines Boeing 747-400 in SkyTeam Alliance livery departs Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Philippines Airbus A321 lands at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A cargolux Boeing 747-8F takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An SAS Airbus A330 lands in Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A FIJI Airways Airbus A330 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A HongKong Air Cargo Airbus A330F takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An Air Macau Airbus A319 lands at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Phillipines Airbus A330 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
The main landing gear on a Emirates Boeing 77-200 freighter tucks into the fuselage after departing Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Cathay Dragon Airbus A330 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An AirGlobalCargo Boeing 747-400 freighter takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 lands in Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An unusual Palau Pacific Airways Boeing 737 takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
An Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 747-400 freighter takes off from Hong Kong in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A gaggle of mostly Cathay Pacific tails dot the landscape at Hong Kong International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A China Airlines Airbus A350-900 lands at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
A China Airlines Boeing 747-400 taxis to the gate following arrival at Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport in August 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren for USA TODAY
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Air Canada adds more U.S. destinations
Air Canada is pushing ahead with its aggressive U.S. expansion, announcing six Air Canada Express routes and three new destinations: Omaha, Providence and Sacramento.
Air Canada will connect Omaha and Providence to its Toronto hub while Sacramento will be served from the company’s hub in Vancouver.
Full report: Air Canada keeps up U.S. push with six new routes, three new cities
The three other routes are San Francisco-Edmonton; Montreal-Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and Montreal-Pittsburgh.
The Edmonton flights will give Air Canada a total of five destinations from San Francisco; it already flies to Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. From both BWI and Pittsburgh, Montreal will augment existing Air Canada service to Toronto Pearson.
Today in the Sky: Air Canada unveils new paint scheme, employee uniforms (story continues below)
Air Canada unveils new paint scheme for its planes
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This image released from Air Canada shows its new paint scheme on one of its Boeing 787 "Dreamliners."
Air Canada
This image released from Air Canada shows its new paint scheme on one of its Boeing 787 "Dreamliners."
Air Canada
This image released from Air Canada shows its new paint scheme on one of its Boeing 787 "Dreamliners."
Air Canada
This image released from Air Canada shows its new paint scheme on one of its Boeing 787 "Dreamliners."
Air Canada
This image released from Air Canada shows its new paint scheme on one of its Boeing 787 "Dreamliners."
Air Canada
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Spirit Airlines connecting more dots on its route map
Spirit Airlines announced plans for 11 new non-stop routes that will launch this spring.
The new service comes as Spirit looks to fill out its network, connecting more of the cities it already serves with new non-stop options.
Seattle is the biggest winner in the latest Spirit announcement, landing seasonal service to four new destinations. Detroit (seasonal), Las Vegas and Tampa were among Spirit destinations getting two new non-stop options.
More: Fast-growing Spirit Airlines announces 11 new non-stop routes
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) also landed two new destinations, including new international service to Jamaica. That would become Spirit’s second international route from BWI, after Cancun, Mexico.
Spirit’s new routes add new competition with major rivals, and similar moves have previously provoked fare wars. Several of Spirit's 11 new routes will operate from the hubs of major rivals American, Delta, United and Alaska Airlines.
In pictures: Spirit rolls out a bold new paint scheme for its planes (story continues below)
Spirit rolls out a bold new paint scheme for its planes
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Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
Eliot J. Schechter for USA TODAY
Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport. Spirit's previous silver and gray livery is seen in the background.
Eliot J. Schechter for USA TODAY
Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
A worker makes some last-minute touches to Spirit's first aircraft to get its new paint scheme at a maintenance facility in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
Eliot J. Schechter for USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
The bright-yellow nose of Spirit's first aircraft to get its new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
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![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
1 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
2 of 43![Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
3 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
4 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
5 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
6 of 43![Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport.]()
7 of 43![Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport. Spirit's previous silver and gray livery is seen in the background.]()
8 of 43![Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
9 of 43![The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
10 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
11 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
12 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
13 of 43![A worker makes some last-minute touches to Spirit's first aircraft to get its new paint scheme at a maintenance facility in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
14 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
15 of 43![The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
16 of 43![The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
17 of 43![The finishing touches are put on Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
18 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
19 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
20 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
21 of 43![Spirit's current livery is seen here an an Oct. 16, 2012, photo taken at the Fort Lauderdale airport.]()
22 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
23 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
24 of 43![Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
25 of 43![Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
26 of 43![The bright-yellow nose of Spirit's first aircraft to get its new paint scheme at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
27 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
28 of 43![Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
29 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
30 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
31 of 43![Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
32 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
33 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
34 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
35 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
36 of 43![Spirit's new livery includes Spirit's "Bare Fare" tag line on the engine cowlings, as seen here Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
37 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
38 of 43![Spirit Airlines unveiled a dramatic new paint scheme for its planes, switching to this black-and-yellow scheme. Here, the first Spirit plane to get the new is seen Sept. 15, 2014, at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y.]()
39 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
40 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
41 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
42 of 43![Spirit's first aircraft to get the airline's new paint scheme is rolled outside for photographs at the Premier Aviation Overhaul Center in Rome, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2014.]()
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JetBlue adds fourth Caribbean route from Newark Liberty
JetBlue is adding a new route to the Dominican Republic, continuing the carrier’s years-long expansion in the Caribbean market.
JetBlue will connect Newark Liberty to Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic. Flights will begin May 3, pending regulatory approval. JetBlue would fly one daily round-trip flight on the route using 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.
JetBlue already offers service from both cities, but the new route connects two existing JetBlue destinations that were not previously served non-stop.
The Newark flights bolster JetBlue’s presence in the Dominican Republic, where the carrier says it currently “operates more daily flights than any other carrier.” Overall, JetBlue flies from the U.S. to five destinations there: La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santiago.
Today in the Sky: Delta Air Lines sends off its Boeing 747s with grand farewell tour
Delta Air Lines sends off its Boeing 747s with grand farewell tour
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Delta Air Lines Capt. Paul Gallaher and Delta employee Jennifer Price take a selfie together on the upper deck of the Boeing 747 during the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Purser Marilyn White, a 40-year veteran of the Boeing 747, chats with passengers aboard the first leg of Delta's Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec.18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Themed drink coasters are ready to head out into the cabin aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets awaits the first leg of the airline's farewell tour at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Stephen Hanlon, Delta's Chief Line Check Pilot for the Boeing 747, gives a short speech to passengers at the gate before departing on the first leg of the airline's farewell tour to the jumbo jet at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers take photos of a banner at gate A38 before departing on the first leg of the airline's farewell tour to the jumbo jet at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
The exclusive, elusive upper deck aboard Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400, seen at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Jay Allen, a former Boeing 747-100 pilot for Eastern, poses for a photo on the flightdeck on one of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s. Taking his photo is son, Delta 747 pilot Hank Allen. (Dec. 18, 2017, at Detroit Metro Airport)
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Former Eastern Boeing 747-100 pilot Jay Allen poses for a photo on the flightdeck on one of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s with his son, Delta 747 pilot Hank Allen, before departing on the first leg of the airline's farewell tour to the jumbo jet at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Tim Shea, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant from New York City, snaps a selfie on board the first leg of the airline's Boeing 747 farewell tour, from Detroit to Everett, Wash., on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets awaits the first leg of the airline's farewell tour at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers pose for a photo while boarding the first leg of the airline's farewell tour to the jumbo jet at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant sunrise on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Cabin crew hand out drinks to passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Cabin crew hand out drinks to passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta's Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant sunrise on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Eduardo Gomez of New York poses for a photo taken by his wife on the upper deck of the Boeing 747 during the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Fourteen-year old Lauren Johnson and her mother test out the fancy lie flat seats on the upper deck of the Boeing 747 during the first leg of Delta's Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
A Delta Air Lines pilot signs autographs aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant sunrise on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant sunrise on the first leg of its farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Fourteen-year old Lauren Johnson tests out the fancy lie flat seats on the upper deck of the Boeing 747 during the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Robin Boone, a 35-year veteran with Northwest Airlines, poses for a photo in the stairwell of the Boeing 747 during the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Flight attendant Sally Carlson poses for a photo with her hand-made Northwest Orient Boeing 747 apron aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Flight attendant Sally Carlson shows off her Boeing 747 earings aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
A TV screen in business class shows the unique flight routing aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Flight attendants pose for photos with one another while holding a giant Boeing 747 in the stairwell aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour deplane for a visit to Boeing's Everett factory on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s kicks up spray while landing at Paine Field, home of Boeing's Everett 747 factory. The special visit was part of the airline's 747 farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour deplane for a visit to Boeing's Everett factory on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour deplane for a visit to Boeing's Everett factory on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour deplane for a visit to Boeing's Everett factory on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Boeing employees listen to a speaker as one of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s visits the Boeing Everett factory during a special visit, part of the airline's farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell retirement tour deplane for a visit to Boeing's Everett factory on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Boeing employees listen to a speaker as one of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s visits the Boeing Everett factory during a special visit. It was part of the airline's farewell retirement tour on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Bruce Dickinson, Boeing's 747 program manager, gives a short speech during a special visit of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-400 on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
A Future of Flight Museum employee poses for a photo in front of one of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Retired Northwest Airlines Boeing 747 pilot Robin Boone signs of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Retired Northwest Airlines Boeing 747 pilot Robin Boone signs of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta's last Boeing 747s stops at the Boeing 747 factory in Everett, Wash., on Dec. 18, 2017, as part of a farewell tour of the jet.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Boeing employee Dale Sorensen signs one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Bruce Dickinson, program manager of the Boeing 747 for Boeing, plants a kiss on the engine of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory. as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Bruce Dickinson, program manager of the Boeing 747 for Boeing, signs of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last US-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last US-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18. 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s rests at Paine Field, the home of Boeing's Everett 747 factory during a special visit on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Passengers and workers left signatures on one of the last U.S.-based passenger Boeing 747-400s. The jet made a special visit to the Everett, Wash., Boeing 747 factory as part of the airline's retirement tour for the jet on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta's last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets departs from Paine Field, home of Boeing's Everett, Wash., 747 factory, after a special 'farewell tour' visit on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Cabin crew from the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 farewell tour pose for a group photo in the nose of the jet after arriving in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets overflies Boeing Field in Seattle, en route to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Dec. 18, 2017, as part of a farewell retirement tour for the airplane.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets passes a another Boeing 747 -- of German carrier Lufthansa -- at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Dec. 18, 2017.
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, special to USA TODAY
Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
Replay
![Delta Air Lines Capt. Paul Gallaher and Delta employee]()
1 of 61![Purser Marilyn White, a 40-year veteran of the Boeing]()
2 of 61![Themed drink coasters are ready to head out into the]()
3 of 61![Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last]()
4 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets]()
5 of 61![Stephen Hanlon, Delta's Chief Line Check Pilot for]()
6 of 61![Passengers take photos of a banner at gate A38 before]()
7 of 61![The exclusive, elusive upper deck aboard Delta Air]()
8 of 61![Jay Allen, a former Boeing 747-100 pilot for Eastern,]()
9 of 61![Former Eastern Boeing 747-100 pilot Jay Allen poses]()
10 of 61![Tim Shea, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant from New]()
11 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets]()
12 of 61![Passengers pose for a photo while boarding the first]()
13 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit]()
14 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit]()
15 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 takes off from Detroit]()
16 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant]()
17 of 61![Cabin crew hand out drinks to passengers aboard the]()
18 of 61![Cabin crew hand out drinks to passengers aboard the]()
19 of 61![Delta's Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant]()
20 of 61![Eduardo Gomez of New York poses for a photo taken by]()
21 of 61![Fourteen-year old Lauren Johnson and her mother test]()
22 of 61![A Delta Air Lines pilot signs autographs aboard the]()
23 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant]()
24 of 61![Delta Air Lines' Boeing 747-400 cruises through a brilliant]()
25 of 61![Fourteen-year old Lauren Johnson tests out the fancy]()
26 of 61![Robin Boone, a 35-year veteran with Northwest Airlines,]()
27 of 61![Flight attendant Sally Carlson poses for a photo with]()
28 of 61![Flight attendant Sally Carlson shows off her Boeing]()
29 of 61![A TV screen in business class shows the unique flight]()
30 of 61![Flight attendants pose for photos with one another]()
31 of 61![Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines']()
32 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s kicks]()
33 of 61![Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines']()
34 of 61![Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines']()
35 of 61![Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines']()
36 of 61![Boeing employees listen to a speaker as one of Delta]()
37 of 61![Passengers aboard the first leg of Delta Air Lines']()
38 of 61![Boeing employees listen to a speaker as one of Delta]()
39 of 61![Bruce Dickinson, Boeing's 747 program manager, gives]()
40 of 61![A Future of Flight Museum employee poses for a photo]()
41 of 61![Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last]()
42 of 61![Retired Northwest Airlines Boeing 747 pilot Robin Boone]()
43 of 61![Retired Northwest Airlines Boeing 747 pilot Robin Boone]()
44 of 61![Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last]()
45 of 61![Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last]()
46 of 61![Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last]()
47 of 61![One of Delta's last Boeing 747s stops at the Boeing]()
48 of 61![Employees of Boeing and Delta sign one of the last]()
49 of 61![Boeing employee Dale Sorensen signs one of the last]()
50 of 61![Bruce Dickinson, program manager of the Boeing 747]()
51 of 61![Bruce Dickinson, program manager of the Boeing 747]()
52 of 61![Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last]()
53 of 61![Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last]()
54 of 61![Passengers leave their signatures on one of the last]()
55 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400s rests]()
56 of 61![Passengers and workers left signatures on one of the]()
57 of 61![One of Delta's last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets departs]()
58 of 61![Cabin crew from the first leg of Delta Air Lines' Boeing]()
59 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets]()
60 of 61![One of Delta Air Lines' last Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets]()
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