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Why US airlines never ordered Boeing's final jumbo jet

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Why US airlines never ordered Boeing's final jumbo jet
Policy
Webp pan am
Pan American World Airways | Official Website

The Boeing 747-8, a significant model in the history of aviation, saw its production run from 2008 to 2023. Despite its iconic status, no U.S. airlines placed orders for this final version of the jumbo jet. The decision largely stemmed from economic considerations, as twin-engine jets like Boeing's 777 offered more profitable alternatives.

Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), once synonymous with luxurious travel and the Boeing 747, did not survive long enough to witness the last model take flight. The airline declared bankruptcy in 1991 amid rising fuel costs due to the Persian Gulf crisis and other financial strains. Chairman Thomas G. Plaskett noted that these factors "caused Pan Am's fuel expenses to rise by $150 million," impacting both leisure and business travel.

In contrast to passenger models, the freighter variant of the 747 remained popular among cargo carriers such as Atlas Air and Cargolux. These carriers continue to employ the "747-8F" for its capacity until it reaches the end of its operational life.

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Airbus faced similar challenges with its A380 super-jumbo, which ceased production before the last 747-8 was built. Airbus CEO Tom Enders stated in 2019: “As a result of this decision we have no substantial A380 backlog... But keep in mind that A380s will still roam the skies for many years to come.”

The shift towards more fuel-efficient twinjets has been evident across global aviation markets. The higher fuel efficiency of models like Boeing's 777X and Airbus' A350 series has made them favorable options over four-engine aircraft like the 747 and A380.

As commercial aviation continues to prioritize sustainability and cost-effectiveness, widebody twinjets are increasingly favored over traditional jumbo jets. This trend is particularly pronounced in U.S. airlines, which have shifted away from operating large four-engine aircraft.

Organizations Included in this History
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