Passenger perspective of flying on inaugural flights of B747, A380, B787, A350 and C-Series aircraft and last US domestic B747 flight.

1. Fabulous First & Last Flights on Iconic
Aircraft - A Passenger’s Perspective
By: Thomas M. Lee

2.  Safran, a major Aviation systems and engine
manufacturer
 Currently Vice President – Innovation Trends,
Partnerships & Marketing
 Led teams developing several technologies for
commercial aircraft
 Hold dozens of US & International Patents

3. In 1984, Thomas Lee was a
founder of an aerospace company
that develops Inflight Trash
Compactor technology for
commercial airlines.
To date, over $1B worth of trash
compactors have been installed on
over 100 commercial airlines.
MONOGRAM SYSTEMS

4. 50th
Anniversary
Apollo
Program

6. 50th Anniversary
Apollo Program

13. Boeing 747
 The Boeing 747 was developed in the 1960’s
 The Boeing 707 (predecessor to the 747) could carry up to 219 passengers.
 The first Boeing 747, often referred to by its original nickname, "Jumbo Jet" could
carry up to 550 passengers.
 It had to be developed within 28 months, which was 30% faster than usual even
for a normal-sized jet, let alone an entirely new flying colossus.
 Boeing ultimately built 1,500 B747s.
 From 1970 until the 2007 introduction of Airbus’ A380, the B747 was the largest
passenger carrier ever.

14. Boeing President Bill Allen and Pan Am CEO Juan Trippe celebrate
the launch of the Boeing 747 “Jumbo Jet” in 1968.

15. World’s Largest Building
In 1966, having signed a
US$525 million contract with
PanAm, Boeing purchased
780 acres of land in Everett,
Washington
No existing facility could
accommodate the 747’s
unprecedented size, so to
build the world’s largest
airplane, Boeing had to build
the world’s largest factory.
Today, 12 complete
Disneyland’s would fit inside
this building.

16. Inflight Movies
 Putting a complete movie
on one reel meant that
the reel had to be
twenty-five inches in
diameter
 Only twelve inches of
free height was available,
so the reel had to put in
a horizontal position
 Projector at the time
would only take film in a
vertical position, so guide
rollers were designed to
turn the film from
horizontal to vertical as it
went into the projector
and from vertical to
horizontal as it came out

17. First 747 Customer
The first Airline
to receive the
Boeing 747-100
was
Pan American
World Airways
in New York

18. The 747 Inaugural (first commercial) flight was covered by all media
TV, Newspapers, Radio and Magazines

19. My Family on Inaugural Flight of Pan Am B747
New York to London January 21, 1970

20. The Jumbo and the Gremlins
 Pan American booked 352 passengers on the inaugural flight
 First off, the main portside door in the forward economy-class cabin
refused to close. Operated by compressed air, it jammed when a
late-arriving passenger interrupted its automatic closing cycle, and
mechanics had to labor for half an hour to reset the system.
 The 747 was taxiing away from the terminal when a sudden gust of
wind blew directly in the exhaust vent of the right outboard engine,
causing the fuel to flare up and overheat the engine.
 The plane had to be brought back to the terminal, and Pan Am
rushed to roll out its only other service-ready 747 to take over the
flight.
 The switch involved painting out the name Clipper Victor on the
second 747's nose and replacing it with Clipper Young America, the
grounded plane's name.

21. First Pan Am B747 Aircraft Experiences a
Flameout (Internal Explosion) in One Engine
Take Off Aborted
A flameout refers to the run-down of
a jet engine caused by the extinction
of the flame in the combustion
chamber. It can be caused by a
number of factors, including
fuel starvation, compressor stall,
insufficient oxygen (at high altitudes)
or severe inclement weather,
mechanical failure and very cold
ambient temperatures.

22. The Jumbo and the Gremlins
 At 1:50 a.m. Thursday—15 minutes after the flight had originally
been scheduled to land in London—the passengers, minus 20
dropouts finally took off. The flight lasted 6.1 hours, about 20
minutes less than the same trip in a Boeing 707 or Douglas DC-8.
 Federal Aviation Administration officials took note of another
complication caused by the 747's bulk. Because of swirling air
currents that the plane leaves in its wake, the FAA ordered
controllers to keep 747s two to three times the normal distance
away from other planes in the air, horizontally and vertically.
 Pratt & Whitney engineers quickly came up with recommendations
for avoiding the engine trouble that delayed the inaugural flight. The
engineers suggested that airlines have a man in the 747 cockpit
watch the engine temperature gauges continuously during taxiing. If
engine overheating is noticed immediately, the pilot can shut down
and restart the engines before they are damaged.

23. After returning to the terminal, the media was
recording everything as passengers disembarked
the world’s first 747 after an aborted take-off. Inside
the red circle are my parents.

24. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ht1og
FUBLc&feature=youtu.be&t=2262

25. Boeing had delivered the
second 747 only the day
before. Pan Am needed
considerable time to prepare
the second aircraft since the
original aircraft would need to
have the engine changed. They
boarded all 364 passengers
and crew onto seven 55
passenger Greyhound buses
and drove us from JFK Airport
in New York to an Italian dinner.

26. Upon Return to JFK
 We arrived back at JFK six
hours after original departure
time
 20 Passengers refused to
board the aircraft out of fear
 Due to all the preparatory
work needed to the 2nd 747,
they did not have time to move
all catering supplies to the
replacement aircraft
 Pan Am created an Inflight
Buffet. We lined up in one
aisle, went through the galley,
selected our food and returned
to our seats down the other
aisle

27. After the aircraft finally landed
in London, we were allowed to
walk around the aircraft on the
tarmac

29. Original
Certificate
Inaugural
flight of B747
in 1970

30. First and the Worst
Pan Am “Clipper Victor”

33. Secured Two Seats on the eBay Auction for wife and daughter
to join A380 Maiden Voyage

34. It is difficult to capture the
enormous size of the Airbus 380

35. The Singapore Airline’s A380 has two
complete decks, seating 471 passengers in
three comfortable classes.

36. There was a formal ceremony to present individual bank checks to the three charities
with funds totaling 2 Million Singapore Dollars raised during the Global eBay Auction.

37. The Lee family being
interviewed on a “Live”
morning television
show in Singapore.

38. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPIjzsl
qtpk&t=23s

39. My Formal Introduction to
Singapore Airlines Chief Executive
Officer, Mr. Chew Choon Seng

41. Singapore Airlines creates Clapboard
Souvenir slate board magazine holders provided a reminder of the major significance of
this production.

42. Each passenger carried home a case full of unique and valuable mementos including
A380 metal model, pen and pencil provided by Rolls Royce, luggage lock, bag tag,
reusable pouch to take liquids through security, Mont Blanc catalogue.

43. Singapore
Airlines
produced
sleek
literature of
all types to
trumpet the
new jetliner’s
debut
including
calendar,
SilverKris
Magazine,
Kris Shop,
Kris World,
Duty Free
selections,
Menus

44. Personalized
postage
stamps were
created for
each
individual
passenger
on board the
inaugural
A380 flight.

45. The exhilaration of
our very long
60-second take off
roll was
overwhelming!
The Pilot reported
only using 74% of
the available
engine power.

46. We gently lifted off over
Singapore and immediately
noticed how absolutely quiet
the passenger cabin is
inside the A380

47. Champagne was served
freely in all classes of service
to commemorate this
great event.

48. This charming little girl (left) was also a media darling in her
Singapore Airline’s Flight Attendant Uniform.
There were several
young people
onboard. This boy
from India captured a
lot of Press attention.

49. There were many aviation
enthusiasts onboard. This
young man plans to be an
airline pilot and bashfully
asked to have his picture
taken.

50. This same young man
also requested an
autograph on one of the
many pieces of A380
Inaugural memorabilia.

51. Julian Hayward is the 38 year old
Australian Internet Entrepreneur that
spent US$100,300 on the eBay Auction
to buy one First Class Suite

52. Here is Briana testing out Julian’s
seat in his extremely comfortable
First Class Suite

54. Invited guest
of Singapore
Airlines to fly
on the
Inaugural
Maiden
Voyage of
the A380.

55. Certificate
Original certificates, personally framed by Singapore Airlines officials and presented to
Thomas Lee onboard A380, provide documentation of Thomas Lee’s two historic flights.

56. Singapore Airlines CEO Mr.
Chew Choon Seng
presented this specially
framed honor that includes
my original Pan Am B747
First Flight certificate from
1970. He also personally
signed today’s Certificate
for this A380 First Flight.

59. Capitan Robert Ting
was very popular on
our flight and was
kind enough to
congratulate me and
sign the official A380
First Flight certificate
commemorating the
opportunity to be the
only person in the
world to make
double-decker
inaugural aviation
history twice.

60. Onboard the flight were 75+
members of the Media. This
photo was taken after being
interviewed by
Richard Quest for
CNN International.

61. Singapore Airlines
inflight magazine
“SILVERKRIS” article
for A380 Inaugural
flight

62. Singapore Airlines was given
unprecedented permission by the
Australian Airworthiness
Authorities to perform a 1,500
foot “Fly-By” directly over the
world famous Sydney Opera
House and Harbor Bridge. Many
Helicopters chased us through
this low altitude pass.

63. After a seven hour flight and upon landing
in Sydney, the Press put their cameras in
the air to capture the rousing applause
heard throughout the entire aircraft

64. Dozens of Sydney Airport ground staff
eagerly awaited and then applauded as
we taxied into our arrival gate.

65. This was quite an historic event. Here is
the front page of one of the
Australian newspapers.

67. Media Coverage

68. There were hundreds of the World’s Media from
virtually all Major Populated Continents

69. Most of the Press wanted to know my
observations of the differences between
the Inaugural B747 Flight 37 years ago
and this brand new A380.

70. The Press Included Newspaper and Magazine Reporters
plus Radio and Television Media.
This crew is from Germany.

71. The German Media
were particularly
interested in this
original “Stern”
Magazine dated
February 1st, 1970.

72. Within hours,
literally hundreds of
publications around
the world picked up
the story. Each
includes a mention
of Thomas Lee’s
record.

73. For more coverage
Type into Google:
“Thomas Lee A380”

74. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQZ5w
7GXVHw

75. Significance of A380
 Largest passenger aircraft in the world.
 Full double decker aircraft.
 The A380 has the capacity to carry over 60 per cent more passengers
than its nearest competitor. Up to 853 people can fly in an all-economy
class configuration..
 With the A380, the needs of an ever-increasing number of passengers
can be met without proportionally increasing the number of flights.
 The Airbus A380 is the quietest widebody jetliner flying today,
generating 50 per cent less noise energy on departure than its nearest
competitor, as well as three-to-four times less when landing.

77. Singapore Airlines: No sex on
Airbus A380, please
Singapore Airlines, the first operator of the new Airbus A380, has
dashed the hopes of sexual thrill-seekers planning to engage in
amorous activity aboard the world's biggest jumbo jet.
The carrier said it would ask passengers on the A380 to refrain from
sex while ensconced in one of its 12 first-class suites, which boast
the world's first airborne double beds.
"All we ask of customers, wherever they are on our aircraft, is to
observe standards that don't cause offence to other customers and
crew," the company told Reuters in a statement.
"Nothing different applies for our Singapore Airlines Suites customers."
While private, the double cabins are neither sound proofed nor
completely sealed.

78. Wall Street Journal

79. Wall Street Journal

82. All Nippon Airways CEO,
Mr. Shinichiro Ito poses with
Thomas Lee while flying on
the inaugural flight
of the B787.

85. CBS National News

88. Mr. Jeff Smisek, CEO of United Airlines with Thomas Lee
and his wife Sally aboard the first commercial flight of the
B787 domestically in the United States

89. A350 Inaugural Flight
Qatar Airways
January 15, 2015

90. The departure gate was decorated with
promotional materials for the A350 XWB

91. At the departure
gate, champagne
was flowing for all
aboard the flight

92. Qatar Airways
had prepared gift
bags for all
passengers
flying on this
sold out flight

93. Aviation enthusiasts were aboard the flight and local music
was played at this festive send-off event

94. One of the aviation enthusiasts
onboard was terribly excited to
show me this Pan Am
memorabilia as I had been on
the Pan Am 747 Inaugural flight
45 years ago

95. Tom with His Excellency Akbar
Al-Baker, Group Chief
Executive Qatar Airways
aboard A350 Inaugural flight –
January 15th, 2015

96. Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, aboard A350 inaugural flight
January 15th, 2015 from Doha-Qatar to Frankfurt.

97. Certificate Presented
Thomas Marks Lee

98. The media was
covering this first
commercial
flight. CNN’s
Richard Quest
conducted an
interview while
midway through
the 6 hour flight

99. C Series Inaugural Flight
July 15, 2016
Zurich - Paris - Zurich

100. Sally and I arrive early at
Zurich’s Airport Gate B34
where the Inaugural
Ceremony will take place for
the C Series first commercial
flight

101. Food and drinks are prepared as
part of the Inaugural festivities

102. The C Series
aircraft arrives at
the gate

103. As expected,
friends who
have flown
previous
inaugurals
also arrive to
join today’s
flight

104. Aviation enthusiasts request today’s inaugural passengers autograph memorabilia from this event

105. SWISS invited
Dominique
Rinderknecht,
Miss
Switzerland to
participate in
the C Series
Inaugural
Flight

106. The media photographs us in front of the beautiful
C Series backdrop SWISS created for these ceremonies

107. The pilots are asked to pose for the
media. At far right is Captain Peter
Koch, SWISS C Series Fleet Chief

108. Swiss Chief Commercial Officer,
Markus Binkert invites me in front of
the assembled crowd and media for
a presentation. He announces my
inaugural flight world record listing
the B747, A380, B787 and A350.

109. I am asked to share my
inaugural flight experiences
with the audience & media
and explain why joining the
C Series inaugural flight is
so meaningful

110. I am then presented
with this Bombardier C
Series Inaugural Flight
Certificate and model
of the aircraft

111. This beautifully framed
certificate is a special
commemoration of today’s
first commercial flight

112. I am incredibly fortunate as
SWISS created this beautiful
one of a kind certificate and I
am the only person on today’s
flight to be presented an
official document signed by
Thomas Kluhr, SWISS CEO

113. I will
cherish this
latest
inaugural
flight
certificate
which will
be added
to my
collection
Thomas Marks Lee

114. I am extremely proud that
our company built the
cabin interior of this
amazing new aircraft

115. Dominique, Miss
Switzerland was thrilled to
hand out delicious Swiss
chocolates

116. Upon arrival in Paris,
another table is set up with
food and drinks for those
passengers that will fly the
return leg back to Zurich

117. Everyone enjoyed a piece
of cake commemorating
today’s inaugural flight

118. Social media popped up
within minutes of
these events

119. Final United Airlines 747 Flight
47 Years Later – November 7, 2017

120. She was also know as “The Queen of the Skies!”
The original aircraft in 1970 that made the United Airlines
maiden flight had been known as “Friend Ship.” Accordingly,
United rebranded this final flight aircraft with the same name.

121. Once we arrived at gate 86 at San Francisco Airport,
it was clear United Airlines had a great party planned for all
the lucky passengers on this final 747 flight. Lot’s of
historical exhibits were displayed.

122. The theme was to be “retro” recreating the 1970
look and feel when the first B747 flew between
San Francisco and Honolulu

123. A 747 timeline covered the entire history of the
aircraft. In January of 1970, at 17 years old, I
had the good fortune of flying on the
inaugural 747 flight.

124. Also joining this final 747 flight was an original Pan
Am flight attendant in her uniform. United Airlines had
acquired many of the Pan Am international routes.
Passengers on this last flight were deeply nostalgic
and emotional flying this final flight.

125. Passengers had the opportunity to write a
message related to this “retirement party”
after 47 years of service

126. We brought along the
framed original
inaugural flight
certificates for the
B747, A380 and B787

127. The media was recording
everything as passengers shared
their favorite stories & memories,
then embarked onto the
last United 747 flight

131. Diana Cox was extremely proud to represent her
father on this flight as her Dad had been the
Captain on the inaugural United Airlines 747 flight from
San Francisco to Honolulu in 1970

132. Oscar was
extremely friendly
and was clearly
excited to
participate in this
great and fun
event!

133. Some passengers
took the 1970’s
retro look quite
seriously and went
over the top.
Several included
cigarettes as part of
their recreations as
smoking was
acceptable
back then.

134. As the door
was closed
for the last
time on a 747
bound for
Hawaii,
“Aloha” was
shouted out.
Once aboard
the aircraft,
wonderful gift
bags were on
all seats
including retro
Coca-Colas.

135. Here’s What Was in the Gift Bag

136. Fun lapel buttons were abundant

137. United Airlines had published a series of publications regarding
the 747 and it’s illustrious history

138. A special menu
was created only
for this final 747
flight with
exactly the same
foods as were
served on the
original 1970
Hawaii flights

140. United Airline employees were very
emotional about the end of an era
for this magnificent aircraft. They
wanted group photos to say
one last good-bye.

141. This wasn’t intended to be an
ordinary flight. A great
example was the flight
deviation to do a low level
fly-by of the Golden Gate
Bridge soon after departure
from SFO

142. Halfway to Hawaii Game
UAL has a contest on flights to Hawaii. They give you all the pertinent info and
then you must calculate the exact time your flight will reach the halfway point.

143. Then, flight attendants passed out
Champaign to every passenger
aboard the flight in all cabins
of the 747

144. The Captain made a terrific toast to the “Queen
of the Skies” and everyone cheered and
enjoyed their Champaign

145. The flight attendants
were in great spirits as
well, wearing their
Hawaiian headdress

146. Beautiful orchids adorned food trays and the
special Chefs on Board this farewell flight

147. As everything was “retro 1970,” the
entertainment onboard was also.
One of the featured films on the
big screen was “Grease.”

148. Joining us on this farewell journey was Tom
Stuker, the United Airlines customer with the
most lifetime air miles totaling 18 million miles

149. Some passengers
love making T-Shirts
with unique
messages. Here is
one joining the
farewell flight while
also celebrating
his birthday.

150. My first reaction
was this
passenger has
the most
interesting and
clever tattoos I
had ever seen.
These are his
exact passport
visa stamps
including the
dates when he
entered each
country. Yes, he
will continue
adding them as
his travels
expand around
the world.

151. One couple enjoyed the thrill of a lifetime. He
proposed just prior to landing in Honolulu and
she accepted, all covered by the media

152. Luc Bondar, Vice President of Loyalty had just started his new job on November 1st, one
week before this historic flight. Luc gave the newly engaged couple free round trip
tickets anywhere in the world they would choose to take their honeymoon.

153. It was time for
the cabin crew
to say their fond
farewells to the
“Queen!”

154. Beautiful Hawaii

155. As if by divine
intervention, our
assigned seats had
us as the only
passengers seated in
the very last row of the
aircraft making us the
final two passengers in
history to land on the
farewell United Airlines
747 flight

156. The front door of the aircraft opened to great fanfare as the Honolulu
ground crew greeted us with cheers of joy!

157. Our Emotional Captain After
His Final 747 Landing

158. United Ground crews
gently positioned a
giant orange lei over
the 747 welcoming her
to Hawaii

159. A United Captain
places leis on arriving
cabin crew and
passengers. Final
farewell photos and
speeches were made
at Honolulu Airport by
local dignitaries.
Everyone was in a
terrific mood as we
said our final
good-byes

161. United 747 Farewell Video

163. Midair Vows: Pilot
Marries Flight
Attendant on Last
Delta 747 flight to
the Marana, Arizona
“Boneyard”

164. Why Are US Airlines Retiring
Their 747’s ?
 British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM and Korean Air are still
operating their jumbo jets
 However, US based Airlines stopped operating the
“Queen of the Skies”
 Fuel accounts for 10-12% of airline operating expenses
 Older aircraft require more maintenance
 Also, “first in, first out” drives behaviors. The US Airlines
were the first to receive their Boeing 747-400s

165. Where do Retired 747’s
Go to Die?

166. Out to Sea!

168. For Divers to Enjoy!

170. What’s Next
IRKUT MC-21
Aeroflot
COMAC C919
Air China

171. Thank You