Dated model first flew a year after 747 debut

The ill-fated China Airlines' Boeing 747-200 was more than 22 years old, making it one of the oldest in the carrier's fleet.

The model is one of the oldest aircraft in the 747 series of American manufacturer Boeing.

Initially the 747 was designed as an all-cargo transport. The first 747 freighter could easily carry 100 tonnes over long distances.

The 747 entered commercial service in 1970, and since then the worldwide fleet has flown more than 2.2 billion people.

Dutch airline KLM was the first to use the 747-200 in commercial service, in February 1971.

Although its external appearance is nearly identical to 747-100, the 747-200 was designed to carry a bigger payload.