The man who is fondly known within aviation circles as the “father of the 747” has just got himself a long term position within Cargolux.
No! – he’s not joined up with CV as an employee, but better still, the Luxembourg-based all cargo airline has named their 30th B747 freighter after Joe.
The name on the aircraft is – “Joe Sutter - Father of the 747.”
A wonderful and well deserved gesture, we feel.
The aircraft in question was recently delivered to Cargolux and is the twelfth of 14 Boeing 747-8Fs on order by the carrier.
Cargolux has been a staunch Boeing customer for many years and has in total taken delivery of thirty B747Fs since the first delivery in 1979.
The present fleet consists of twelve 747-8F series aircraft along with eleven 747-400Fs.
The outstanding order for two more 747-8s will bring their fleet of Boeings up to 25 aircraft.
Joe Sutter knew nothing about the Cargolux plans to honour him by naming one of their aircraft after him.
Normally Cargolux name their aircraft after local Luxembourg cities and not people.
We hear that Joe was overwhelmed and thrilled with the gesture on the part of CV’s management.
Still full of enthusiasm for aviation
Joe Sutter joined Boeing in 1940 and at the same time he studied aviation technology at the University of Washington.
He later on was promoted to Manager of the Boeing Design Team for the then planned 747 model.
In aviation circles Joe is known as the father and guiding hand in the planning, development and production of this wonderful aircraft.
Joe is still going strong
Although he is long since retired, the 94 year old seemingly cannot let go of his enthusiasm for the aviation world.
Even today he still advises Boeing on certain technical issues.
Joe Sutter was honoured in 2002 with a place in the International Air Cargo Association Hall of Fame.
Joe’s name will fly around the world for a long time to come - positioned on the nose of Cargolux’s latest B747F.
John Mc Donagh
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