The 279th and last C-17 Globemaster III to be produced by Boeing flew away from the company’s Long Beach, California, plant on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, marking the end of Boeing aircraft production at the facility.

The C-17 made a flyover of the factory and a crowd of onlookers and workers before heading to Boeing’s San Antonio, Texas, facility, where it will remain until departing to the Qatar Emiri Air Force customer in early 2016.

“This is truly the end of an era. It’s a sad day, but one that all of the Boeing employees and suppliers who have worked over the years building this great aircraft can be proud of,” said Nan Bouchard, vice president and C-17 program manager.

“Our team’s work and dedication and professionalism created one of the world’s leading airlifters, a plane that is at the forefront for providing humanitarian aid and has changed the way the U.S. Air Force and our international partners mobilize for operations and aeromedical support,” Bouchard said.

 The C-17 first flew on Sept. 15, 1991, and the fleet of Globemaster IIIs flying for the U.S. Air Force and other international partners has amassed more than 3 million flight hours.