Quantcast

Boeing 747-8 operational costs continue despite production halt

American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Air India Eyes 10 New Codeshare , Plans Global Expansion
Boeing 747-8 operational costs continue despite production halt
Policy
Webp 7478
Boeing 747-8 | Wikipedia

A Boeing 747-8, once a symbol of modern aviation, continues to captivate the world with its capabilities and costs. Despite the production line closing in 2023, the legacy of this widebody aircraft endures. The cost of operating a BBJ 747-8 is significant, estimated at $23,000 per hour when accounting for crew, insurance, and landing fees. Fuel alone can range from $50,000 to $150,000 per journey.

The purchase price for a pre-owned Boeing 747 starts around $150 million. However, if one desires luxury interiors featuring lounges or spiral staircases, additional costs can escalate by another $25–$50 million and take up to two years for installation.

"Fixed costs are expenses that stay stable no matter how many hours an aircraft is flown (in general)," according to Golden Epaulettes. These include purchase price and insurance among others. Pilots' salaries add to the expenses as they vary between $50,000 and $150,000 annually based on several factors.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Variable costs fluctuate with flight hours and include fuel and maintenance. As EM Airplane reports, "sustainment can vary significantly but range between $1-2 million USD annually."

Despite high operating expenses, careful planning around landing fees and fuel-efficient flight paths can optimize costs while maintaining substantial capacity for passengers or cargo.

The BBJ 747-8 remains a prestigious choice with operational examples including those by the State of Kuwait and Qatar Airways Amiri Flight. The United States Air Force plans to replace its older models with new 747-8s as Air Force One by 2027 despite facing program delays.

Customizing these jets can reach exorbitant amounts; estimates suggest converting a Qatari spec plane into an Air Force One could exceed $1 billion USD according to USAF and third-party evaluations cited by Defense News.

While the jumbo jet's operation demands significant investment beyond initial acquisition—including hefty fuel expenditures—its capability to transport hundreds over long distances often justifies these costs for operators worldwide.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group has highlighted the importance of its Corporate Treasury Team in managing financial resources.

Jul 26, 2025

Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which promises to enhance the narrow-body flying experience.

Jul 26, 2025

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

American Airlines is set to reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for domestic flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this fall.

Jul 25, 2025

Southwest Airlines is in the process of introducing extra-legroom seats across its fleet, with about 25% of its planes now featuring these new rows.

Jul 25, 2025

The Ethiopian Airlines Group recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its expanded Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Jul 25, 2025