Soon to be a thing of the past
British Airways have announced that by 2023 they will have replaced all of their 747-400s with newer, more modern and efficient aircraft. The aircraft which defined the term 'Jumbo Jet' and fondly known as the "Queen of the Skies" first flew commercially in 1970. The 747 was the first ever wide-bodied, two deck commercial aircraft and was built to the specifications of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). For 37 years the aircraft held the passenger capacity record. For more than 40 years they reigned supreme as the aircraft or choice for long-haul flights with high passenger loads. In the last 2 decades however, the price of aviation fuel has risen by nearly 500% resulting in astronomical running costs. With the already heavy 747-400s running 4 inefficient engines, the price of a 10 year old 747-400 has fallen to a record low of around $36 million US. Thats about 10% less than other similarly aged planes (as of 2011) say aviation consultancy Ascend. With Modern planes like the new mammoth Airbus A380 and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner having engines which are extremely fuel efficient and fuselages made with lightweight composite materials, it’s no surprise that the end is in sight for the Jumbo Jet. BA aren't the first airline to start replacing the 747-400 fleet though. Singapore Airlines haven’t operated passenger 747s for four years now. Cathay Pacific will soon be 747 free with Air New Zealand having removed the aircraft from their fleet entirely. Qantas and Virgin Atlantic are also reducing their 747 fleets. As of July 2010, the first three 747 400 models were taken to Air Salvage International, located in Hampshire, UK and destroyed for salvage. Delivered to Air France in 1991 and serving for almost 20 years, F-GITA now has the official title of being the first 747-400 to be scrapped. Although 747s are gradually making way for their replacements, they are expected to continue flying for some time longer as cargo carrying aircraft.
747s
747 Replacements
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Boeing believe that airlines and passengers will want to fly from point to point rather than hub to hub. This aircraft is the first they've manufactured to help realise this concept.
Airbus A350-941
This is Airbus' answer to Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliner. Also a long-range, wide-body jet making use of two engines, this aircraft is due to go into service late 2014.
Credit: Andrew Hunt via Airliners.net
Future Aircraft
Airbus 2050 Concept
Exterior
Airbus' concept for sustainable aviation in 2050. Airbus has spent the last four years consulting with specialists and passengers to help define its vision for future aircraft and travel.
Credit: Airbus S.A.S
Manner Cloude
This retake on the airship or otherwise known as the floating hotel, is said to of overcome the pitfalls of previous attempts at ballooned flight.
Credit: MASSAUD
Virgin Galactic
Set to take us to the stars, this technology could also see travel from London to Sydney take just two hours.
Credit: Virgin Galactic
Title Image credits: BriYYZ
RalphAdept
September 8th, 2017 02:19