This means that while more Boeing 747s exist numerically, a greater share of the A380 fleet remains active compared to its original production run. The longevity of the 747 is partly due to its versatility; it features unique cargo adaptations such as nose doors and swinging tail doors, making it popular among freight operators.
The Boeing 747 earned its “Jumbo Jet” nickname after Pan Am requested an aircraft much larger than the then-standard Boeing 707. It first entered service in January 1970 and held the record for passenger capacity for decades. Over time, configurations like first-class lounges on its upper deck became notable features.
In contrast, Airbus designed the A380 specifically to compete with the jumbo jet market segment. Its full-length upper deck allows various seating arrangements; typical layouts carry over 500 passengers, though some airlines have fitted even more seats by using denser cabin configurations.
Passenger preference varies between these two giants. Comments collected from a Reddit discussion suggest many travelers find the A380 unmatched for comfort but also value opportunities to fly on remaining passenger-configured Boeing 747s before they retire:
"I have to say the A380. The size and design is just unmatched. Every time I see one I am amazed by the sight of it. I have flown a 747 once; [I] did not [know] then that they were retiring the planes, so I am happy I got to fly one."
Other comments praise experiences on both types:
"Upstairs on the 747 was certainly more private and ‘club-like’. It was a great experience if you managed to sit up there."
Today’s ch-aviation figures show Lufthansa operates eighteen passenger-configured Boeing 747-8s; Korean Air has six; Air China flies five.
When comparing specifications between newer variants—the Boeing 747-8 versus Airbus A380—the latter can seat more passengers (up to a maximum of around 853) but requires airlines to fill those seats efficiently for economic operation. Some travelers report slight advantages for economy seating on certain A380 upper-deck rows due to extra storage space:
"Well, I'll take it you mean economy class. I've flown on both, both BA. I really like the 747, it is my favourite airplane. But I found the A380 slightly better in economy on the upper deck due to the curvature of the fuselage, it gave me extra storage at the window seat."
Fuel efficiency is now central for airlines seeking lower operating costs amid climate regulations and competitive pressures—a shift that favors modern twin-engine widebodies over four-engine jets like these older models.
Advances in engine technology mean current twinjets such as the Airbus A350 (up to about 410 seats) and Boeing’s Dreamliner (about 292 seats) offer similar range with less fuel consumption than earlier quadjets like those discussed here.
Cary Grant from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University explained: “If you look at the 747, with four engines—now you can provide the same amount of thrust on two engines that burn 20 percent to 30 percent less fuel than those engines that were produced twenty to thirty years ago.”
Despite declining production numbers for large quadjets since COVID-19's impact receded from aviation markets worldwide, demand has rebounded quickly enough that congestion at major airports is rising again—a situation prompting some carriers like Emirates or Lufthansa to return retired A380s into service or express interest in new versions if developed.
Whether either model will see renewed production remains uncertain; however, their presence continues where high-capacity flights are necessary or where specialized cargo capability is needed.
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