Why is the 747 no longer being made?


Why is the 747 no longer being made? Built in 1967 to produce the mammoth jet, it remains the world's largest manufacturing plant according to Boeing. But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes.


Will Boeing ever build the 747 again?

No more 747s are being made, but Boeing notes that they're still taking flight. The 1970s version even inspired one man to build a ground-based replica. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come, Boeing's Smith said. Copyright 2023 NPR.


Why is 747 called Queen of the Skies?

With its impressive size and graceful appearance, the 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” has been one of the most recognizable and versatile aircraft since its first flight in 1969.


Is the 777X bigger than the 747?

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.


Who owns a private 747?

Joseph Lau: Boeing 747-8 VIP, $367 million. Sultan of Brunei: Boeing 747-430, $230 million. Roman Abramovich: Boeing 757, $170 million. Kim Kardashian: Gulfstream G650ER, $150 million.


Can I buy a decommissioned 747?

Sure, the 747 is a Type Certified and airworthy aircraft, the FAA does not really care who owns it so long as they play by the rules. Boeing even sells them directly to the private market via their BBJ line.


Why does 747 have a hump?

Because of aerodynamics, the cockpit level had to rise and slope back down to the main fuselage, giving us the iconic hump.


What is the largest plane in the world 2023?

Biggest Airplanes in the World in 2023
  • Aero Spaceline's Super Guppy. ...
  • Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy. ...
  • McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender. ...
  • Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. ...
  • Ilyushin Il-76. ...
  • Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. ...
  • Boeing 747 Dreamlifter. ...
  • Airbus Beluga XL.


Which is the safest plane in the world?

Therefore, the ERJ135/140/145 members of the family are among the safest airliners in history. The Airbus A340 is also one of the safest, with no fatal accidents involving any of the 380 units since its introduction in March 1993.


Why did airlines get rid of the 747?

[the 747] has become something relatively obsolete,” says Sobie. For passenger flights, the plane is doubly obsolete. The 747, with its ability to seat more than 500 passengers at maximum capacity, doesn't reflect the current market for air travel.


What is the top speed of the 747?

The top speed of the Boeing 747 itself is about 570 mph, and this flight maxed out at 825 mph. The difference between “ground speed” (zero bonus) and “air speed” (200+ mph bonus) is also why this speed, while technically faster than the speed of sound, didn't ever go supersonic.


What plane is replacing the 747?

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 was the A380 discontinued?

The A380 production ended with the departure of former Airbus CEO Tom Enders due to a lack of demand; the company had 17 orders in the backlog. After Emirates cut its A380 order by 39 aircraft, leaving just 14 on the backlog, the final decision was reached to terminate production on the A380.


What is the oldest 747 still flying?

The oldest active 747 aircraft today The oldest passenger aircraft in commercial operation is Boeing 747-400 EP-MEE (SN 24383) operated by Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline. IBA Insight Flights shows that this aircraft frequently makes trips between Tehran and Moscow, and last flew on 30th January 2023.


Why do planes do not fly over the Pacific?

The most common reason is that there are no airstrips or airports on many of the small islands, so if a plane had to make an emergency landing, it would be difficult to find a place to land. Additionally, the Pacific Ocean is vast and remote, so if a plane were to go down, it would be very difficult to find.