Gulf International 747 200B

December 10, 1973. The start of a new chapter in Gulf International's history. Based in Houston, the airline's fleet of 19 Boeing 747-200Bs replaced the 707 fleet on European routes, including the flagship Pont Aérien Acadien route from Houston via New Orleans to Paris. Nicknamed the Flying Steamboat, the 747, in conjunction with the Douglas DC-10 Flying Riverboat, offered the opportunity to put on show for Gulf's passengers the finest Southern hospitality has to offer. While 747 service was initially exclusive to European routes, following deregulation it launched Gulf's first flights to the Far East: GF150 from Houston to Hong Kong via Los Angeles and Tokyo. From its introduction until 1988, the airline's 747s included a lounge located on the upper deck, with seating for up to 30 passengers and included a self-service bar, dining facilities and a collapsible center table that was often used for (strictly nighttime) card games; often poker was played. The 747 remained the flagship of the Gulf International fleet until 2011, when the last 747, a -400, was retired.

Boeing 747-200B "Flying Steamboat," Angel of Houston, N747GC.

delivered to Gulf International, December 10, 1973.

retired, donated to Gulf Air Historical Society, March 9, 1999.

on display at Louisiana Aviation Museum, Lakefront Airport, August 10, 1999.

Edit: correction to Pont Aérien Acadien. Thanks to N664US.