![]() Subsequently, both widebodies were already being phased out by airlines across the continents. Two of the industry's most significant casualties are this pair. The global health crisis has undoubtedly rocked the aviation market in recent years. Modern aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and the upcoming Boeing 777X almost match capacity but with massive improvements in design, cost, and fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, it is a bittersweet victory, as the sun is also setting on the icon. It's for this reason that the smaller capacity 747 just seems to win this round. It has only been in service since 2007, but companies quickly realized the drawbacks of having such a monument. In recent years, several airlines have been planning the phase-out of the superjumbo in favor of more cost-effective solutions. Therefore, with more precise options, the plane is becoming increasingly redundant. If an airline can fill up an entire A380, then it can be a huge profit driver, but that is becoming increasingly rare.Ĭapacity is a crucial pull factor for the A380. Today, airlines are looking for smaller aircraft that can operate between regional airports, and flying islands just don't have a place anymore. A giant floating village that could fly across continents with showers, lounges, and more. Ultimately, the A380 was the realization of a dream. With society now relying on the delivery of goods more than ever, there could be an extension to the life of the 747. "The addition of our very first 747-8 Freighter is a significant moment for our Cargo division, and a welcome addition to our 20-strong cargo fleet of wide-body aircraft." Moreover, in another statement, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker also emphasized the value of cargo services when he received the Doha-based airline's first of two 747-8Fs in 2017. These new aircraft will play an important role in our continued efforts to develop Hong Kong as a leading international air cargo hub." We are very excited about bringing the 747-8F into our freighter fleet because it will give us an increased payload over a longer range with superb operating economics, enabling us to provide an even better service to our customers. "Cargo is a very important part of Cathay Pacific’s business, accounting for around a third of our revenues in a good year. Photo: Getty ImagesĪccording to a statement, when receiving its first 747-8 freighter, former Cathay Pacific director of cargo, Nick Rhodes, shared how vital shipping operations are to the company. Atlas Air, UPS, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, AirBridgeCargo, and Nippon Cargo, are all using the freighter on their operations.Ĭargolux operates 15 747-400s and 14 747-8s. ![]() The 747-8F is helping several major players ship goods across the globe. Additionally, we do have to admit that a cargo version of the Boeing 747 exists, and it is quite popular. Looking at cargo capacity, the Boeing 747 has more capacity despite having less powerful engines and less thrust.Īirbus has leaned hard into serving passengers and let Boeing slip ahead for this category. ![]() Cargo is a very lucrative source of revenue for carriers, and our airline is no exception. ![]()
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