A Boeing 747-400 formerly operated by Korean Air is set to become the centerpiece of the new aviation section at the California Science Center after spending ten years in Arizona’s aircraft storage facility. The aircraft, registered HL7489, will showcase the legendary “Jumbo Jet” model.
The plane joined Korean Air’s fleet in 1994, completing around 14,000 flights and logging over 86,000 flight hours during its 20 years of service. Retired in 2014, it was returned to the manufacturer and sent to Pinal Airpark. After nearly a decade in storage, its nose was removed and transported to Los Angeles in February 2025, where it became the focal point of the new exhibition. The aircraft has been repainted in Korean Air’s current livery.
Visitors will be able to explore the upper and main decks, cargo hold, and landing gear, as well as experience flight simulators between Los Angeles and Seoul, an aerodynamics lab, and an interactive “Design Your Own Plane” area.
The new aviation section will feature approximately 20 aircraft in total. The official opening date has not yet been announced. Korean Air aims for the exhibit to inspire future pilots and aerospace engineers.
