The new seating plan will eliminate 17 seats from Business Elite. Delta spokesman Paul Skrbec didn’t elaborate on the change, or detail how much the 747 upgrade would cost.

Delta was the last U.S. airline to operate a Boeing 747 as airlines focus on newer, more fuel efficient planes. United retired its last 747s in late 2017 with similar fanfare.

More Pics of Delta's Paint Job on Northwest 747-400 By Matt Phillips Dec. 16, 2008 8:52 am ET Share ...

The 747 preserved at the museum, N661US, known within Delta as Ship 6301, is an important piece of aviation history. Delta Ship 6301 was unveiled at Boeing's factory in 1988.