SAS Boeing 747 at Helsinki Airshow in 1972

[Hans Jakobsson 7]

Hello,

I hope I am allowed to write in English; I could not find anything in the forum rules about post language.

My name is Hans Jakobsson and I am writing a book about the Boeing 747 in service with SAS, as the Spring of 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the first jumbo jet delivered to Scandinavia - the cleverly named Huge Viking (SE-DDL). The 747 was operated by SAS between 1971 and 1987, and then again between 1996 and 1996 with a leased 747F for cargo services. 

As some of you might remember, Huge Viking visited Helsinki Airshow on 25 August 1972 and attracted thousands of visitors as it was the very first time a 747 visited Finland. According to the article printed by Inside SAS staff magazine (shown below), the most eager fans began queueing already in the morning to be first in line when the jumbo opened its doors at 18:00!

I would like to write about this spectacular event in the book, and therefore I am looking for photos and stories from this day which I hope someone on this forum might have? The friendly archivists at Suomen Ilmailumuseo have done their best to help me, but could not find anything in their collections and suggested I ask at FlightForum.fi. 

Thank you!

Best regards,

Hans Jakobsson

 

 

 

[Simo Lallukka 198]

Helsingin Sanomat newspaper tells:

Plane landed 25.8.1972 at 16.37. Captain was Bernard Buck.  It was rainy earlier that day, but sun began to shine in the evening. Landing was in wet conditions.  Plane came from Copenhagen. It flew away at around 20.00 same day. There is old finish thread about this (photos have disappeared):

https://www.flightforum.fi/topic/7946-747-ensimmäisen-kerran-efhklla/  

Muokattu: Kesäkuu 28, 2020, käyttäjä: Simo Lallukka

[Juha Klemettinen 28]

Hello Hans,

I think I can find at least one picture of Jumbo in the HelsinkiAir show. Send me a message and we'll discuss it in more detail.

Juha

[Esa Muikku 118]

Hans,

I found one lousy photo in my archive. PM me if you need the file.

[Hans Jakobsson 7]

Dear fellow historians,

I am happy to announce the release of my book 747-B – DEN STORA VIKINGEN which is published in Sweden on 15 september. I see it is already available for pre-order on Suomalainen Kirjakauppa and I am sure it eventually can be bought elsewhere in Finland too.

One of the rare stories included is the 1972 visit of an SAS 747 to Helsinki Airport, thanks to information and photos I received from several helpful friends on this forum. The book is written in Swedish which I regret is difficult for many of you. However, it was really the only viable solution considering the very specific subject.

For your convenience, here is some information about it in English;

HUGE VIKING: THE STORY OF THE 747 IN SCANDINAVIAN SERVICE

The jet age revolution of the 1960s made the world accessible to more people. With the first flight of the Boeing 747 in 1969, the same year as man walked on the Moon, air travel truly entered the Space Age. Every self-respecting airline bought the Boeing 747. SAS, Scandinavian Airlines, was one such airline and operated six 747s between 1971 and 1987. 

Over the years, many books have been written about the Boeing 747. However, the story of the 747 in service with SAS has never been published. For the first time, the complete history is now presented by airline historian Hans Jakobsson in 747-B DEN STORA VIKINGEN. Meticulously researched, the book describes the formation of SAS, why the 747 was purchased and how it was used in the 1970s and 1980s. It also deals with the transformation of the airline during this era. 

The book is written in Swedish and lavishly illustrated with unique photos from several archives and collections. Hans Jakobsson, Aeronautical Engineer B.Sc., is an expert on SAS history and a former Flight Simulator Engineer with SAS Flight Academy. He was also part of the team creating Jumbo Stay, an exceptional hotel in a former Pan Am Boeing 747 at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport in Sweden. 

Take your First Class seat and enjoy a nostalgic journey through SAS most expansive and spacious era – the era of Huge Viking and the 747 in Scandinavian service!

Hardbound, 320 pages, Swedish language 
Author: Hans Jakobsson 
Publisher: Trafik-Nostalgiska Förlaget, Stockholm, Sweden 2022 
ISBN 978-9189243125

Again, kiitoos paljon for your kind help!

Best regards,

Hans Jakobsson