Boeing is ending passenger production, as soon as 2017.
Cargo version still viable and being produced, for now.
The economy of large twin engine aircraft (777, 787, A350W) is gaining over the capacity of Super Jumbo’s. Even the A380’s future is looking bleak.
I am rather surprised that with growing air travel population and little airport capacity to spare that airlines do not use SJ’s for the busiest routs.
Even if the 787 is more efficient, 2 of them take a lot more space than a 747, more support equipment, personnel, and such. And fuel is not that expensive these days either.
Anyone have insights?
By: Ship 741 - 23rd August 2017 at 18:41
International yields have suffered mightily the last few years. Political uncertainty, trade disputes, and especially over-capacity generated by the ME3 (Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad) have made many routes unprofitable for other carriers. The amount of subsidies (or even their existence) that the Gulf Carriers receive is a matter of great discord.
Over capacity depresses fares and therefore yields. Large 4 engine airplanes represent great risk to an air carrier, you can’t split one in half, but if you have two smaller twins (pick one: 767/A330/777/A350), you can shift seats around based on time of year, or even reduce capacity (say 2 flights/day 3 days a week and 1 flight a day the other 4 days) on a weekly basis to keep fares high enough to enable a profit.
I feel safe in saying that the A380 and 747-8 were gargantuan mistakes made by Airbus and Boeing respectively. “Real” airlines (that are not state supported) are never going to make the mistake again of adding too many seats.
The “restricted airports” theme is also a non-starter IMHO. LHR is an anomaly. There exists adequate runway capacity at most world airports to meet demand for many years.
Finally, I would ask J Boyle if he/she has inside information to know how much of a money maker the 748 is for cargo carriers? I agree that the aircraft is quite capable, but the international cargo market has been tough for many carriers in recent years…..note the parking of freighter by some passenger carriers, those carriers instead being content with belly freight capacity on passenger planes.
By: J Boyle - 12th August 2017 at 13:48
A friend flies 800s on international freight routes and loves it.
Still very capable and a money maker for the carriers.
The article did not mention production ending, just that it might if more orders aren’t received. That’s true of all jetliners. 🙂
By: Flying_Pencil - 11th August 2017 at 00:37
It has been talk since last year, surpised you did not hear of it!!
But yes, 747 is being retired, production ending
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-11/united-s-747-retirement-plan-marks-end-for-iconic-jumbo-in-u-s
By: Spitzfeuer - 4th August 2017 at 13:47
Do you have a source for this claim please? AFAIK both versions can be ordered new.
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August 2, 2017 at 8:55 pm