Former United CEO Oscar Munoz shared precisely why his company decided to retire the jet. He explained that it had started to become a struggle to maintain. Ultimately, the age of the type has reduced its efficiency across the board.
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They are being retired because they cost more to operate (as people movers) when compared to twin engine planes, such as the 777, 787, and A350. Economics for the longest while predicted the demise of any commercial jets with more than 2 engines. Im surprised the 747 stayed in production as long as it did.
According to Boeing's data, the 777-9 has a total length of 251 feet 9 inches (76.72 meters). The 747-8 is just a bit smaller at 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters). The 777-9 is the longest commercial aircraft ever built.
Delta found the 747 too large for its routes, and began trading them back to Boeing in September 1974. The last of the five original Delta 747s, Ship 105, flew on April 23, 1977. It was piloted by Capt. Beverly Dickerson, who had also flown Delta's first 747 scheduled flight in 1970.
How many A380s are still flying? As of May 2023, about 130 A380s are in service - but several airlines plan to reactivate more aircraft during the year. For example, all Emirates Airbus A380s are expected to be back in service by the end of the year.
Lufthansa Flight 540 was the first fatal crash of a 747. On November 20, 1974, it stalled and crashed moments after taking off from Nairobi, with 59 deaths and 98 survivors.
That was one of the reasons Air France, the first European airline to fly the jet, decided to ditch A380 on August 5. The estimated cost of upgrading economy and business classes, at over $45 million (£37m), was just too much compared to investing into newer aircraft instead.
The B747's range falls slightly short of the A380, with a typical range of around 7,790 nautical miles (14,400 kilometers). However, it compensates with a higher top speed, capable of cruising at approximately Mach 0.855. This makes it more versatile, suitable for both long-haul and shorter intercontinental flights.
The Airbus A380 beats the Boeing 747 in passenger capacity, with the ability to accommodate 250 more passengers in a full economy configuration. The A380 offers more interior space, allowing for the inclusion of bars, showers, lounges, and private suites, making it a popular choice for luxurious first-class offerings.
KLM Flight 4805 and Pan Am Flight 1736, March 27, 1977This crash remains the deadliest ever, claiming the lives of 583 people when two 747s collided on a foggy runway on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
According to data from ch-aviation.com, the oldest active Boeing 747 family aircraft left in the world today is a 747-100SF that flies for the Iranian Air Force. Bearing registration 5-8103, this veteran quadjet is 52.86 years old and flew for TWA from 1970 to 1975 before being converted for usage as a freighter.
Almost exactly 54 years after the first flight, thousands of current and former employees and guests will attend a bittersweet ceremony in Everett on Tuesday before cargo carrier Atlas Air flies away a 747 freighter model, the 1,574th and last “Queen of the Skies” ever built.