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Korean Air unveiled Boeing 747 exhibit it donated to California Science Center
May 15th 2026
Korean Air (KAL) has unveiled its donated Boeing 747 aircraft at the California Science Center’s newly named Korean Air Aviation Gallery. Read More » The donated Boeing 747-400, tail number HL7489, operated from 1994 to 2014, completing 13,842 flights and logging 86,095 flight hours. As one of Korean Air’s flagship aircraft, it played a pivotal role in expanding international air travel and supporting the airline’s growth into a leading global carrier. Korean Air and the California Science Center are transforming the 70-foot forward section of the aircraft fuselage, including its upper and main decks, belly cargo hold, and landing gear, into a hands-on educational exhibit. “For more than five decades, Los Angeles has served as a second home for Korean Air, and we are proud to support the California Science Center’s mission of innovation. Our vision for the Korean Air Aviation Gallery is to spark curiosity and wonder in the next generation. By showcasing the science and imagination behind flight, we want to inspire young visitors to become the pilots, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group, during the commemorative event, held on May 12 in Los Angeles. The Korean Air Aviation Gallery is one of three major exhibition spaces within the California Science Center’s new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, alongside the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery and the Kent Kresa Space Gallery. Named in recognition of Korean Air’s sponsorship, the gallery will showcase the 747 alongside approximately 20 aircraft.
