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Why US airlines did not order the Boeing 747-8

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Why US airlines did not order the Boeing 747-8
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Boeing 747-8 | Official Website

The Boeing 747-8, the final variant of Boeing's iconic aircraft, entered commercial service in June 2012 with Lufthansa. Despite initial predictions of over 300 sales, only 155 units were built before production ceased in 2023. The majority of these are cargo variants, with just 31 passenger versions operating for airlines such as Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China. Notably, no US airlines ordered the aircraft.

Several factors contributed to this decision by US carriers. One significant reason is the high operating costs associated with four-engine aircraft like the Boeing 747-8. "Four-engined aircraft burn more fuel than their twin-engined counterparts on the same journey," impacting both economic and environmental sustainability.

US airlines also operate from multiple hubs rather than a single hub-and-spoke model common in Europe and the Middle East. This operational structure favors smaller aircraft that can provide increased flight frequency and direct routes between smaller airports.

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The focus on sustainability has further influenced airline choices. "Twin-engined aircraft burn less fuel," which aligns better with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Changing passenger preferences have also played a role. Increased flight frequency is valued over capacity per flight, making smaller planes more suitable for US markets where passengers prefer direct flights without transiting through major hubs.

Finally, fleet optimization considerations discourage adding unique models like the Boeing 747-8 that require specialized training and maintenance procedures. By maintaining fleets of similar aircraft types such as Boeing's 787 or Airbus's A330/A350 families, airlines benefit from reduced complexity and costs.

Organizations Included in this History
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