Alerts Sign-up
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.
