End of the jumbo: British Airways retires 747 early due to coronavirus crisis

https://www.reuters.co​m …avirus-woes-idUSKCN24I04J

Oh wow, sad news.

Or should I say, MORE sad news...

..and Boeing appears to be pulling the plug on 747 production.


https://www.reuters.co​m …omberg-news-idUSKBN2432U0

No surprise. The 777 does pretty much the same thing at a lower cost.

1969-70 tech. It's time.

The 747 was the first 'Jumbo' but its retirement is certainly not the demise of large passenger loads. The 747 carries up to 366, while the 777 is said to carry 300-400. Boeing 777 currently holds the record for being the planets largest twin-jet. With a seating capacity of between 300 to 400, and a maximum range of close to 8600 nautical miles (roughly 16000 km).

It’s long raked wings, six wheels per main landing gear and largest diameter turbofan engines distinctly set it apart from any other aircraft. Developed in coalition with over seven major airlines, the 777 was set to replace older wide-body craft and close the gap between the 747 and 767 capacity difference. The Airbus A380 stil flies...it was first completed only two years before the last 747 was built. Eleven airlines still use the 747-8.

Hate to see them disappear from the skies. I used to fly from SFO to Singapore a lot, and almost always got to sit upstairs. Made for a great trip. All the benefits of the massive plane, but in a nice smaller seating area. She will be missed.

Wilt wrote in post #19095769
The 747 was the first 'Jumbo' but its retirement is certainly not the demise of large passenger loads. The 747 carries up to 366, while the 777 is said to carry 300-400. Boeing 777 currently holds the record for being the planets largest twin-jet. With a seating capacity of between 300 to 400, and a maximum range of close to 8600 nautical miles (roughly 16000 km).

It’s long raked wings, six wheels per main landing gear and largest diameter turbofan engines distinctly set it apart from any other aircraft. Developed in coalition with over seven major airlines, the 777 was set to replace older wide-body craft and close the gap between the 747 and 767 capacity difference. The Airbus A380 stil flies...it was first completed only two years before the last 747 was built. Eleven airlines still use the 747-8.

She is stil flown by the freight carriers ... but unless you are at a freight hub... you're not going to see them much. They still frequent Miami... a lot. and I assume SFO and LAC. Who knows... Never got to fly an A380... hopefully I'll still get a chance.

Cargo's how my Uncle wound up being able to fly one; and, he, coincidentally, ALSO had to retire just recently