Future of B-747-400ER/XX

Thanks mate for your views.

Is it true that the newer B-777 and B-747-400ER have similar cockpit planels layout?

I feel that the 744 has fulfilled it’s need and now needs to retire gracefully as a freighter.I’ve flown on 744s at least six or seven times and think that they should let the 777 take over as Boeing’s main heavyweight.The A380 will also eventually face the same fate.It’s gonna be too big!

Well no one can grudge the 747 a gracefull retirement thats for sure. A world beater in ever meaning of the term.

However, I’m not sure its time for retirement just yet. 4 engined long haul aircraft have advantages over twins. Not requiring ETOPS for example.
And anyway, I’m willing to bet that there will still be 747’s in the air after the last of the A380’s retire.

B747

I feel that the 744 has fulfilled it’s need and now needs to retire gracefully as a freighter.I’ve flown on 744s at least six or seven times and think that they should let the 777 take over as Boeing’s main heavyweight.The A380 will also eventually face the same fate.It’s gonna be too big!

Kabir, I agree with Sandy. Obviously there is no current interest in a 747 project from operators. Right now, everything is just theoretical, but if Boeing went to airlines such as Singapore, QANTAS, Cathay, British Airways, and especially JAL and ANA (as they are VERY PRO-BOEING), with a concrete plan, then I think something could happen. It would obviously have to be a major improvement over the current model that incorporates more fuel efficient engines, increased use of composites, greater range, fly-by wire, a new wing, etc.

perhaps…… I talked to the B777 captain of my flight from the SIN-MEL, and did pop in the question of SQ’s B747 replacements and he did say that SQ is more concentrating at the moment on the 777s. But i agree with you that if there is a “concrete” plan it might work. But remember last time when Boeing went to these airlines with the SonicCruiser they did not take it well…. although yes that was not a very good plan by Boeing.

Kabir, I agree with Sandy. Obviously there is no current interest in a 747 project from operators. Right now, everything is just theoretical, but if Boeing went to airlines such as Singapore, QANTAS, Cathay, British Airways, and especially JAL and ANA (as they are VERY PRO-BOEING), with a concrete plan, then I think something could happen. It would obviously have to be a major improvement over the current model that incorporates more fuel efficient engines, increased use of composites, greater range, fly-by wire, a new wing, etc.

I know Sandy i am taking it in the reality point of view….I do understand your point. 🙂

Kabir..I’m talking theoretically!, not matter of factly.

I know no one has so far expressed interest. I’m say that IF they did, somehting might happen IF!

Thats what i am pointing…the 747 customers havent expressed a need for a new version of the 747, that is visible by 777 orders. Airlines like SQ are going more for the 777s.

Well, yes, as its the only new long range aircraft Boeing have on offer.

I’m just saying that potentialy if current 747 operators wanted a new 747… they could get the ball rolling.

Airlines are prefering more to the B777s than 747s as we have seen…so i doubt if a new version of the 747 would anywhere be near a succes.

Well if enough of the current 747 operators ask for it, then it would make sense. Doesn’t matter what you or I think.

Not everyone wants or needs the A380.

Perhaps not stretch it no. But for what it is, the fuselage as it is now is aerodynamically sound.

An potential Advance 747 would be fine with the current fuselage. Just update the wings, engines, avionics and interior, then you’d have a viable new variant.
Also, the idea of using the empty space above the main cabin is a sound one. You could use that for extra cargo capacity. Or, replace the read cargo hold with the space above the rear cabin, freeing up the lower aft fuselage for “underground” toilets, which would then translate into more main deck cabin space.

The possibilities are endless. But that what they are, only possibilities

Wouldnt make much sense with making a new version of the 747 if you ask me, even if its possible and viable.

The current serving B744s have still alot of life left in them…as for future models i dont think they can stretch that airframe much now.

Perhaps not stretch it no. But for what it is, the fuselage as it is now is aerodynamically sound.

An potential Advance 747 would be fine with the current fuselage. Just update the wings, engines, avionics and interior, then you’d have a viable new variant.
Also, the idea of using the empty space above the main cabin is a sound one. You could use that for extra cargo capacity. Or, replace the read cargo hold with the space above the rear cabin, freeing up the lower aft fuselage for “underground” toilets, which would then translate into more main deck cabin space.

The possibilities are endless. But that what they are, only possibilities

The current serving B744s have still alot of life left in them…as for future models i dont think they can stretch that airframe much now.

I think you mean A345 and A346, and with a bit of primping and preening, the 744 will live on for many a year yet

A350 and A360?? Do you know something we don’t? 😉
🙂

A short for A-350= A-340-500 & A360= A-340-600. Personally, I think that Airbus should rename A-340 series.

A350 and A360?? Do you know something we don’t? 😉

Seriously, I believe the 747 programme will run for at least another two or three years. At that point, the A380 will be flying and a true evaluation between the two will take place. The result of that ‘deemed’ evaluation will in my mind determine the future of the 747. If the A380 is well received, then unless a new derivitive is created, I can see the end for the 747 in around 5 years or so.

If the A380 enters the market with major problems, bad press etc… then depending what the issues are, this could give the 747 a kick.

So, in short, the 747 will continue for a while yet but its long term future depends on how well the A380 performs and Boeings development plans for the model. 🙂