Retired Korean Air Boeing 747 Finds New Life At California Science Center

One of the most iconic aircraft of the jet age has gained a spectacular new home in Los Angeles, where visitors can now step inside part of a former Boeing 747-400 once operated by Korean Air.

The aircraft, registered HL7489, has been donated to the California Science Center, where it has become the centrepiece of a major new aviation exhibit celebrating the history and technology of flight.

For aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, it is a rare opportunity to explore inside one of the world’s most famous airliners — including areas rarely accessible to the public.

A Boeing 747 Visitors Can Walk Through

Photo: Korean Air

The new attraction, called “The 747 Experience”, features the forward 70-foot section of the aircraft, including:

• The upper deck
• Main passenger cabin
• Cockpit
• Forward cargo hold
• Landing gear area

Visitors can walk through the aircraft and learn how the famous Jumbo Jet operated, while interactive exhibits explain aerodynamics, aircraft systems and aviation careers.

Among the planned attractions is an immersive simulated flight from Los Angeles to Seoul, recreating one of Korean Air’s flagship long-haul routes. Wind tunnel experiments and aircraft design activities are also included as part of the educational exhibit.

The aircraft now forms part of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center expansion at the California Science Center, alongside other major aerospace exhibits including the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The Story Of HL7489

HL7489 at Tokyo in 2012. Photo: Maarten Visser

HL7489 was delivered new to Korean Air in 1994 and spent around two decades flying long-haul international routes across the airline’s global network.

During its operational life, the aircraft reportedly completed:

• 13,842 flights
• More than 86,000 flight hours

before being retired from passenger service in 2014.

It was sent to Marana Pinal Air Park in Arizona for storage and scrapping in 2015. The forward section was earmarked for preservation.

Although many retired 747s have been scrapped, preserved examples of the later 747-400 variant are still relatively uncommon — particularly those allowing public access inside the cabin and cockpit.

The aircraft has also been repainted into Korean Air’s newest corporate livery, giving visitors a look at the airline’s modern branding on one of aviation’s most historic aircraft types.

The Boeing 747’s Lasting Legacy

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 747 transformed long-haul travel after entering service in 1970.

With its distinctive upper deck and enormous passenger capacity, the type became the symbol of international air travel for decades. The later 747-400 variant introduced improved engines, greater range and a two-crew glass cockpit, becoming one of the most successful versions of the Jumbo Jet family.

Although passenger 747 operations are now declining rapidly, the aircraft remains hugely popular with aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Preserved examples such as HL7489 help ensure future generations can continue to experience the scale and atmosphere of the legendary aircraft firsthand.

How To Visit The Korean Air 747 Experience

(1) The California Science Center shows off the Korean Air 747 Experience at the future home of the Samuel Oschin Air & Space Center in Los Angeles. 05-12-26 pic.twitter.com/qMpR0qvRlc

— Matt Hartman (@ShorealoneFilms) May 12, 2026

The exhibit is located at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Science Center’s permanent galleries are generally free to enter, although some special exhibits and attractions may require tickets.

Further information on visiting hours and the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project can be found via the Science Center’s official website and Korean Air announcements.

For aviation fans visiting Los Angeles, it may now be one of the best opportunities anywhere in the world to get up close to a preserved Boeing 747-400.

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