It was December 6, 2022, when the last of the gigantic 747s left the Boeing factory. Just a year earlier, in December 2021, Airbus delivered the last of its A-380s, which at that time was considered the largest passenger aircraft in the world. Almost simultaneously, the two milestones of commercial aviation, the largest aircraft that had ever flown through the skies on regular lines, were discontinued. But why, if we are traveling more and more and transoceanic journeys are more frequent, are these “monsters” disappearing from the air?
The Boeing 747, popularly known as the “Jumbo Jet,” is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Since its first flight in 1969, the 747 was a mainstay in the fleets of the world’s major airlines. Designed to carry large numbers of passengers and cargo over long distances, the 747 revolutionized commercial air travel.
From the start of production to the delivery of the last aircraft in 2023, A total of 1,574 units of the Boeing 747 were manufactured. This number includes several versions of the model, such as the 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, 747-400 and the 747-8each with improvements in terms of capacity, fuel efficiency and technology.
Reasons for cessation of production
Fuel Efficiency: As fuel prices rose and awareness of the environmental impact of air travel grew, fuel efficiency became a priority for airlines. Newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, offered greater fuel efficiency per passenger and were more economical to operate.
Changing Demand: The trend in the aviation industry has shifted toward direct flights between mid-size cities rather than traditional connecting flights through large hubs. Smaller, more efficient aircraft could meet this demand better than the 747.
Maintenance and Operation: The cost of maintaining and operating four-engine aircraft like the 747 is significantly higher compared to modern twin-engine aircraft. The reduction in the number of engines on newer aircraft also decreases the cost and complexity of maintenance.
Airbus A380
As for the Airbus A380the largest passenger aircraft in the world, made its first flight in 2005. With capacity for more than 500 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, and up to 850 in a single-class configuration, The A380 was designed for high-density routes between major international hubs.
Production of the Airbus A380 ended in 2021, with a total of 251 units built. Although this number is considerable, It is far from Airbus’ initial projections, which expected to sell more than 1,200 units.
Reasons for cessation of production:
- Insufficient demand: Although the A380 was popular with passengers for its comfort and space, it failed to attract enough orders from airlines. The same trends that affected the 747, such as a preference for smaller, more efficient aircraft that could operate on direct routes, also affected the A380.
- Operating costs: Like the 747, the A380 is expensive to operate and maintain. Its large size and need for four engines made it less attractive in a market looking to minimize operating costs.
- Airport infrastructure: Few airports in the world are equipped to handle the A380, which limited route options and increased costs for airlines in terms of airport fees and logistics.
When Singapore Airlines introduced the A380 superjumbo on its first commercial flight in 2007, it was hailed as a milestone in aviation. However, the Airbus programme, plagued by delays and cost overruns, never lived up to negative expectations that it was labelled a “white elephant of the skies”.
The A380 was a bold attempt to challenge Boeing’s dominance in the large aircraft market.Airbus bet billions that airlines would want bigger planes in the future, while Boeing was developing its smaller, more agile 787 Dreamliner. Although the A380 found an initial market in Asia and the Middle East, where airlines were looking to carry more passengers per flight, its success was short-lived. With capacity for 550 passengers and a range of 14,816 km, The A380 offered luxurious amenities such as first-class suites, bars and beauty salons.However, after an initial wave of orders, especially from Emirates, Demand plummeted and the program was never profitable.
The A380 project, with an estimated cost of $25 billionbecame a center of controversy due to the subsidies from the French and German governmentsIn 2018, the World Trade Organization ruled that the European Union had failed to comply with requests to withdraw state aid to Airbus, exacerbating trade tensions with the US. Since 2007, Airbus has received 313 orders for the A380, of which 234 have been delivered, far from the target of 700 units.Although popular with passengers, airlines found the A380 inefficient and expensive to operate, especially with many empty seats.
With the Rising fuel prices and environmental concernsairlines began to prefer smaller, more efficient aircraft. New models, such as Boeing’s 777 family, with fewer seats but equal range, greater payload and two fewer engines, became more attractive. Since 2005, 57 A380 orders have been cancelled, including airlines such as Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa. The cargo version of the A380 also found no interest in the market.
The reduction in orders, especially from its largest customer, Emirates, eventually led Airbus to discontinue production of the A380. This case reflects a significant change in the aviation industry, where efficiency and sustainability have become crucial for airlines.
The closure also affected Spain, leaving around 500 workers on the street, although many indirect jobs were also lost. Around 8% of the aircraft parts were manufactured in our country, but due to its technology, it provided work for hundreds of workers in the Airbus plants in Spain.
With the cessation of production of the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380, the landscape for high-capacity passenger aircraft has changed. Currently, the largest passenger aircraft in operation and production are:
Boeing 777-9
The Boeing 777-9, part of the 777X family, is the world’s largest twin-engine aircraft. It seats up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration, and has a range of approximately 13,500 kilometers. This aircraft combines a modern, efficient design with advanced technologies, making it an attractive option for airlines seeking capacity and efficiency.
Highlighted Features:
- Fuel efficiency: Thanks to its GE9X engines and improved aerodynamics, the 777-9 offers superior fuel efficiency.
- Passenger capacity: With its large capacity, it is suitable for high-demand routes.
- Advanced Technology: Includes features such as folding wings to allow operations at airports with standard gates.
Airbus A350-1000
The Airbus A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 family and can carry up to 440 passengers in a two-class configuration. Designed to offer greater efficiency and comfort, the A350-1000 is ideal for long-haul flights.
Highlighted Features:
- Efficiency and sustainability: Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-1000 is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
- Passenger comfort: The cabin is larger and features innovations that improve the passenger experience, such as improved pressurization and humidity.
- Composite Material Technology: Extensive use of composite materials reduces weight and improves efficiency.
Boeing 787-10
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family. It can accommodate up to 330 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of approximately 11,910 kilometers. It is known for its efficiency and comfort.
Highlighted Features:
- Fuel Efficiency: With advanced engines and aerodynamic design, the 787-10 is one of the most fuel-efficient airplanes.
- Passenger experience: Includes features such as larger windows, higher humidity and better pressurization to reduce jet lag.
- Operational flexibility: Ideal for both long-haul and high passenger demand routes.
Conclusion
The end of production of the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 marks the close of an era in commercial aviation, characterised by high-capacity, four-engine aircraft. Trends in the industry have evolved towards smaller, more efficient and versatile aircraft, capable of operating on a wide range of routes with lower operating costs. Aircraft such as the Boeing 777-9, Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-10 lead the way today, offering a combination of efficiency, capacity and comfort to meet the demands of modern airlines and passengers. These aircraft represent the future of aviation, where sustainability and operational efficiency are critical to success in a competitive and ever-changing market.