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fredinNH t1_iqrdqax wrote

So why is the 747 going out of production?

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ProfessorrFate t1_iqstw29 wrote

747 is less cost efficient per ASM than modern ETOPS aircraft.

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fredinNH t1_iqsvgjs wrote

Do I look like Fred Boeing? What the heck is ETOPS?

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PassionatePossum t1_iqszcit wrote

ETOPS is a certification that allows twin-engine planes fly routes where the nearest airport is 60 minutes or more away (e.g. transatlantic routes).

They basically have to show that it is extremely unlikely that both engines would fail at the same time.

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WhileNotLurking t1_iqrfo84 wrote

Economics. Short haul flights prefer a smaller aircraft. Longer haul flights prefer a larger.

It’s use to be the long hauler of choice - but now there is a better option.

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fredinNH t1_iqrrm16 wrote

Have they not also cancelled the A380?

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WhileNotLurking t1_iqruweo wrote

Yes. That was different economics of production costs vs operational costs.

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Milnoc t1_iqtn0nz wrote

There was also the problem of accessibility. The A380 is a HUGE airplane that demanded a lot of ground support. Airports had to modify their runways, taxiways and gates to accommodate the monster. That severely limited the number of destinations the aircraft could visit.

Then there's the problem that it's very difficult to fill up such a huge plane on lesser popular routes. It's much better to use multiple smaller medium to long haul aircraft that can land at any medium sized airport and fit perfectly at the gate, greatly increasing the number of destinations and departures available to flying passengers.

The A380 was conceived at a time when huge aircraft were still very popular, but the market and technology had both changed by the time the plane was put into service.

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JanitorKarl t1_iqtlngj wrote

The 787 is capable of long distance flight and doesn't require special airport gates for boarding.

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