Flying Above Victorville, the New Forever Home of United's 747s
What happens when an airline decides an aircraft is no longer suitable to remain in its fleet? It's a question I've seen pop up frequently over the past few weeks, as United and — in a few days — Delta retire their Boeing 747-400s.
Airlines are typically hesitant to discuss post-retirement plans — and tours are almost certainly out of the question — so I decided to take things into my hands. I chartered a helicopter and flew some 70 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to a sleepy desert town called Victorville, the home of Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV) — and, as of a few weeks ago, most of United's former 747 fleet.
There are dozens of unwanted aircraft at Victorville's airplane graveyard, many of which are packed in tightly, positioned nose to tail.
My last VCV visit was back in 2014, when I drove out to capture several of the field's older residents, which are still exactly where they were three years ago.
While you can get fairly close by driving along the perimeter fence, the best views are from the air.
We started our aerial tour at 5,500 feet — "photography operations" are generally not permitted, so we were required to stay just above Victorville's airspace for the shoot.
Most commercial air traffic doesn't fly at a low enough altitude near VCV, so don't bother keeping an eye out as you travel in and out of LAX.
The helicopter provided incredible views, though, even from our position at 5,500 feet.
That wasn't enough for me — I wanted to get much closer.
While the FAA wouldn't specifically give us permission to descend to shoot photos, we were eventually allowed to practice some landings on the adjacent runway, which got us within a few feet of United's former fleet.
While cargo carriers like FedEx are most prevalent, a handful of airlines are represented, too, with British Airways, China Airlines and now United representing most of the commercial inventory, along with a couple dozen now-replaced Southwest 737s.
United's planes are the most recent additions, though — as they wait for a more permanent parking assignment, they're crammed into any available spot.
As for what's next? A small number of planes parked at Victorville may eventually fly again, though most will either be scrapped or used for spare parts.
United, for one, auctioned off some 747 components, including instruments and economy seats — some of which went for an ungodly number of miles. If you won an auction item, it's probably still on one of the planes at VCV, though we did see technicians moving one of the 747s during our visit — perhaps getting ready to yank out your new treasure.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.