A Boeing 747 with a mask on: Cargolux plane dons special Covid-19 livery

The cargo company is playing its part by sending an important message

The Cargolux Boeing 747 in its special livery. Courtesy Cargolux Airlines / Twitter

Special liveries on aircraft often spread messages of importance and goodwill, and the latest one from Cargolux Airlines certainly does just that.

The European freight company has unveiled one of its Boeing 747 complete with its own face mask and message. The company said the design reflects "the airline's commitment to fight against Covid-19".

Earlier this year, Cargolux donated 75,000 face masks and 44,000 sanitary wipes on a flight to Zhengzhou, China, "as a mark of support in these challenging times".

The WHO first advised people to wear masks in public on June 5 to help reduce the spread of the disease.

And this week it has advised that children over the age of 12 should wear masks like adults, while those aged between 6 and 11 should wear masks depending on several factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child's ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata), meanwhile, issued an airline self-assessment health checklist last week to help the air transport industry operate safely during the pandemic.

It covers nine sections, including pre-arrival notification, check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, aircraft cleaning, onboard air quality, in-flight operations, flight and cabin crew, crew layover and airport facilities.

End of the Boeing 747

The "queen of the skies" is gradually being phased out around the world after being one of the most recognisable aircraft for decades.

According to Bloomberg, Boeing will cease production of the plane in about two years.

British Airways has already said it will retire its fleet of 747s with immediate effect after demand plummeted amid the pandemic.

“This is not how we wanted or expected to have to say goodbye to our incredible fleet of 747 aircraft. It is a heart-breaking decision to have to make," said Alex Cruz, chief executive of British Airways.

Australia's Qantas has grounded its fleet, having said farewell with three special flights, while Virgin Atlantic and KLM are also retiring their 747 fleet.

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  The 747 takes off for its first flight in 1969. All images courtesy Boeing

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  Flight attendants pose in front of the jumbo jet.

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  The Boeing 747 next to the 707.

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  Crowds tour the 747 for a closer look.

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  The iconic 747 nose.

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  A close-up of the early 747 engines.

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  A mock-up of the 747 interior.

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  The first 747 flight in 1969.

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  A 747 byline on the occasion of the Queen of the Skies 50th first flight anniversary. All photos by Boeing

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  The flight crew for the first flight in 1969.

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  A 747 byline on the occasion of the Queen of the Skies 50th first flight anniversary. All photos by Boeing

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  Joe Sutter headed the design team and has since been known as the “Father of the 747.”

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  The first 747 flight in 1969.

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  A 747 byline on the occasion of the Queen of the Skies 50th first flight anniversary. All photos by Boeing

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  Pan Am 747s in the factory.

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  Model mock-ups of the 747.

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  Crowds queue to board a 747 at an air show.

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  The first 747 flight in 1969.

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  The 747 marked the first commercial use of the high bypass turbofan engine.

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  A Boeing 747-400 flies alongside a 737-400.

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  Balast tanks during the assembly of the 747.

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  A stamp on the side of the Boeing plant at Everett, Washington.

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  747 project test pilot Jack Waddell.