While Airlines such as Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines have already retired the iconic Boeing 747 from their fleets, United Airlines has scheduled their retirement for the end of 2018. However, due to the directive that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may issue, United decided to move up the retirement for the last quarter of 2017.
This directive would have airlines complete potentially costly repairs to their older jet models such as Boeing 747. Another reason for their retirement is that there are more fuel efficient aircraft that can cater to the needs of passengers and cut costs with the airlines, as the 747s consume around 20 percent more fuel per seat as per Tech Times' report.
In a memo released last Wednesday, United President Scott Kirby said, "Today, there are more fuel-efficient, cost-effective and reliable widebody aircraft that provide an updated in-flight experience for our customers traveling on long-haul flights". This is partly due to the technological advances that just make the in-flight entertainment system of the 747s out of date.
United has utilized the massive aircraft since it debuted in the 1970s, the same year United first flew an aircraft of its size from California to Hawaii. And though there are not clear details yet, the company has expressed its intentions to honor the 747 with what will most likely be an unforgettable send-off.
This is also a warning to Boeing as the decreased demand for four-ending aircraft could greatly affect their newest 747 model, the -8. As per a report from Bloomberg, Boeing said that it would end production of the aircraft if more orders do not come in. The company currently only has 28 unfilled orders with 17 sales last year.
Whatever the aircraft United and other companies would use to replace the Boeing 747, it will forever be an icon in the sky. easily identified by people all across the world. Boeing should be proud to have provided, what is considered to be the most luxurious commercial airplane of its time.
