But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes. When Boeing confirmed in July 2020 that it would end 747 production, it was already only producing at a rate of half an aircraft a month.
What replaced the Boeing 747 jumbo jet?
Modified versions of two Boeing 747 planes will serve as replacements for the White House's Air Force One. The planes are due for delivery in 2024 as part of a $3.9 billion contract. Boeing's 777X, its latest passenger plane model and projected replacement for the 747, is set for delivery in 2025.
Why do airlines not fly the 747 anymore?
Several international airlines still fly the 747-400, and 747–8 as people movers but the numbers are dwindling. 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.
Why are airlines retiring jumbo jets?
The 747, with its ability to seat more than 500 passengers at maximum capacity, doesn't reflect the current market for air travel. Many travelers make shorter journeys than the long-haul, transatlantic trawls the 747 was designed for, meaning airlines need smaller, single-aisle planes.
Is the 777X bigger than the 747?
The 777X is a longer aircraft – justAccording 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).
What is the oldest jumbo jet still flying?
The oldest active 747 aircraft todayThe oldest passenger aircraft in commercial operation is a Boeing 747-400 EP-MEE (SN 24383) operated by Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline.
Is the 747 jumbo jet retired?
Which is faster 747 or 777?
The 747 has a faster top speed. The 777 isn't about speed, it is about fuel economy and range for a given payload. It is no slouch by any means but the 747 can top out at mach 0.91/0.92.
Why did no US airlines ordered the A380?
The arrival of the A380 in 2007 was poorly timed. The price of jet fuel had begun to creep up, and by 2007 was floating at around $4 a gallon. This made airlines shy away from the expensive to operate four engine jets of the 80s and 90s, and to look instead to fuel efficiency as a major deciding factor.
What planes are replacing A380?
Currently, the world's biggest international airline has on order 50 A350-900s, 30 787-9s and 115 Boeing 777Xs. The airline operates 119 A380s, 123 Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Boeing 777-200LRs. The 777X aircraft will replace the A380s, while the A350s and 787s will eventually replace the 777s.
Are any Boeing 707’s still flying?
As of 2019, only a handful of 707s remain in operation, acting as military aircraft for aerial refueling, transport, and AWACS missions.
How many jumbo jets are left?
There were 440 Boeing 747 aircraft in active airline service as of October 2023, comprising 1 747-100s, 3 747SPs, 19 747-200s, 4 747-300s, 259 747-400s, and 154 747-8s. These aircraft are listed by airline operators and variant in the following table.
How much would it cost to buy a retired 747?
You might view that as a bargain, since new 747s can run as much as $450 million and even older ones go for about $10 million, according to the website executiveflyers.com.