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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.
