What Happened To The Boeing 747?
CNBC・17 minutes read
Boeing's 747, introduced in 1970, revolutionized long-haul air travel with its vast size, iconic hump, and capabilities, but faced decline due to the rise of more fuel-efficient planes post-pandemic and shifting airline preferences for nonstop flights. Despite production ending in 2022, 396 747s are still flying, with airlines like Lufthansa planning to operate them for another decade or longer.
Insights
- The Boeing 747, introduced in 1970, revolutionized long-haul air travel by increasing capacity and lowering ticket costs, with its iconic hump, four engines, and vast size standing as tall as a six-story building.
- Boeing's decision to end 747 production in 2022 reflects a shift towards more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets post-pandemic, marking the end of an era that saw the 747 legitimize airlines, transform air cargo markets, and shape airline networks.
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Recent questions
What are the key features of Boeing's 747-8?
The Boeing 747-8 is recognizable for its iconic hump, four engines, and vast size. Standing as tall as a six-story building and with a wingspan equal to two 737-700s, the 747-8 is capable of traveling 7,790 nautical miles and carrying over 450 passengers. Its takeoff weight nears £1 million, revolutionizing long-haul air travel by increasing capacity and lowering ticket costs.
How did the Airline Deregulation Act impact the Boeing 747?
The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 increased competition, lowered fares, and led to the demise of superjumbo jets like the Boeing 747. The preference for more fuel-efficient, nonstop flights over hub-and-spoke networks reduced the appeal of the 747 for shorter routes, contributing to its decline.
What led to the decline of Boeing 747's popularity?
The decline of the Boeing 747's popularity can be attributed to the rise of more fuel-efficient planes. While the 747 revolutionized long-haul air travel by increasing capacity and lowering ticket costs, airlines now favor two-engine jets post-pandemic for efficiency, leading to a decrease in the demand for the superjumbo jet.
How did the production of the Boeing 747 evolve over time?
Boeing produced 1,574 747 planes over 55 years for 100+ customers. However, the percentage of Boeing 747s in the world's widebody fleet decreased significantly from 28% in 1990 to just 2% in 2022. The rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine models led to Boeing ending production of the 747 in 2022.
What is the current status of Boeing 747 aircraft?
Despite production ending, 396 Boeing 747s are still flying, with airlines like Lufthansa operating them for another decade or longer. The Boeing 747, introduced in 1970, remains a significant part of aviation history, with its safety record attributed to redundancies like four engines providing backups for essential systems.
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Summary
00:00
Boeing 747: Iconic Super Jet Revolutionized Aviation
- Boeing's 747, known as the super jet or jumbo, made its commercial debut in 1970, flying over 3.5 billion passengers since.
- The 747's development in the 1960s cost billions of dollars, being one of the most expensive planes of its time.
- Recognizable for its iconic hump, four engines, and vast size, the 747-8 stands as tall as a six-story building and has a wingspan equal to two 737-700s.
- Capable of traveling 7,790 nautical miles, carrying over 450 passengers, with a takeoff weight nearing £1 million, the 747 revolutionized long-haul air travel by increasing capacity and lowering ticket costs.
- Initially designed for both passengers and cargo, the 747's upper deck was created for easier loading, with Boeing producing 1,574 planes over 55 years for 100+ customers.
- The 747-8's 2022 list price exceeded $400 million, but airlines, aiming for efficiency, now favor two-engine jets post-pandemic.
- Boeing's 747, introduced in 1970, was a significant leap in aviation, legitimizing airlines and transforming air cargo markets.
- The 747's safety record, though not perfect, is attributed to its redundancies, with four engines providing backups for essential systems.
- The 747's popularity spurred airline hub-and-spoke networks, but its limited appeal for shorter routes led to its decline with the rise of more fuel-efficient planes.
- The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 increased competition, lowered fares, and led to the demise of superjumbo jets like the 747 due to the preference for more fuel-efficient, nonstop flights.
14:48
Evolution of Airlines: From Luxury to Efficiency
- Airlines shifted from luxurious lounges to more seats in the 1980s for increased revenue.
- Boeing 747s went from 28% of the world's widebody fleet in 1990 to just 2% in 2022.
- Airbus A380, launched in 2007, overtook the 747 as the world's largest commercial plane.
- Boeing ended production of the 747 in 2022 due to the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine models.
- Despite production ending, 396 747s are still flying, with airlines like Lufthansa operating them for another decade or longer.
