Why some airlines still operate four-engine jets despite industry shifts

Airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates use these large jets not only for their capacity but also as brand symbols. “The ‘Queen of the Skies,’ as the 747 became known, still represents freedom, globalization, and optimism of the jet age on a global scale.”

Passenger feedback often shows higher satisfaction on A380 flights due to smoother rides and spacious cabins. Features such as shower spas or bars are unique amenities possible only on these larger planes. Crew preferences also play a role; pilots and flight attendants value handling qualities and space aboard quadjets.

Operationally, four engines provide extra redundancy when flying over remote or inhospitable regions where diversion options are limited. At high-altitude airports with hot weather conditions—such as Johannesburg or Mexico City—quadjets can depart at full capacity without performance penalties that might force twinjets to reduce payloads.

Most passenger quadjets still in service have been paid off by their operators; thus operating costs primarily involve fuel and crew expenses. When oil prices are low, the difference in fuel consumption between quadjets and newer models like the A350 narrows enough that high seat counts can offset inefficiency.

In congested airports such as London Heathrow or New York JFK where adding more flights is difficult due to slot constraints, deploying large-capacity aircraft allows airlines to maximize each departure’s revenue potential through custom cabin layouts supporting hundreds of passengers plus additional amenities.

Emirates has publicly advocated for an updated version of the A380—a so-called “A380neo”—to improve efficiency by up to 15% per seat while increasing range and reducing noise. “Emirates wants to continue growing its fleet of Super Jumbos even as others abandon the quadjets altogether.” Investments made by Emirates into infrastructure tailored specifically for A380 operations further motivate this request.

Russia’s renewed interest in producing Ilyushin Il-96s stems from Western sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Limited access to parts from abroad makes domestic production attractive for maintaining widebody capabilities needed for long-range routes across Russia’s vast territory or transporting military/industrial cargoes.

Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic is developing Overture—a new supersonic quadjet aiming to revive commercial supersonic travel lost with Concorde’s retirement. Airlines including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have placed provisional orders for Overture aircraft designed with improved fuel efficiency using modern materials like carbon-fiber composites. NASA’s X-59 Quesst demonstrator will support development by providing data on sonic boom mitigation: “The X-59’s development aims to build global momentum toward a renewed pursuit of supersonic passenger flights.”

As manufacturers phase out older models but operational needs persist—whether due to route requirements or infrastructure investments—quadjet aircraft continue serving specific roles within commercial aviation despite broader industry trends favoring twin-engine designs.