Why did the world’s two largest passenger aircraft, the Boeing 747 Jumbo and the Airbus A-380, stop almost simultaneously?

It was on December 6, 2022, that the last of the giant 747s left the Boeing factory. Just a year earlier, in December 2021, Airbus delivered its last A380, considered at that time the largest aircraft in terms of passenger traffic. world. At almost the same time, two milestones of commercial aviation ceased production – the largest aircraft that flew in the sky on regular routes. But why, if we travel more and overseas trips are becoming more frequent, are these “monsters” disappearing from the air?

The Boeing 747, commonly known as the “Jumbo Jet,” is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Since its first flight in 1969, the Boeing 747 has become the backbone of the fleets of the world’s largest airlines. Designed to carry large numbers of passengers and cargo over long distances, the Boeing 747 revolutionized commercial air travel.

From start of production to delivery of the last aircraft in 2023 A total of 1,574 Boeing 747s were produced.This number includes various versions of the model, such as the 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, 747-400 and 747-8.each of which features improvements in terms of power, fuel efficiency and technology.

Reasons for the termination of production

Fuel economy. As fuel prices rose and awareness grew about the environmental impact of air travel, fuel efficiency became a priority for airlines. New aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offered greater fuel efficiency per passenger and were cheaper to operate.

Changing demand. The trend in the airline industry has shifted toward direct flights between mid-sized cities instead of traditional connecting flights through major hubs. Smaller, more efficient aircraft could meet this demand better than the Boeing 747.

Maintenance and Operations. The cost of maintaining and operating four-engine aircraft such as the 747 is significantly higher than that of modern twin-engine aircraft. Fewer engines in newer aircraft also reduces the cost and complexity of maintenance.

Airbus A380

For Airbus A380the largest passenger aircraft in the world, made its first flight in 2005. WITH capacity of over 500 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and up to 850 in a single-class configuration, The A380 was designed for high-density routes between major international hubs.

Airbus A380 production ended in 2021. A total of 251 units were builtAlthough this number is significant, That’s a far cry from Airbus’ initial forecast of more than 1,200 units.

Reasons for stopping production:

• Insufficient demand. Although the A380 was popular with passengers for its comfort and space, it failed to attract enough orders from airlines. The same trends that affected the 747, such as a preference for smaller, more efficient aircraft that could fly direct routes, also affected the A380.
• Operating costs. Like the Boeing 747, the A380 is expensive to operate and maintain. Its large size and need for four engines made it less attractive to a market that is looking to minimize operating costs.
• Airport infrastructure: Only a few airports in the world are equipped to handle the A380, which limits route options and increases airline costs in terms of airport fees and logistics.

When Singapore Airlines unveiled the A380 superjumbo on its first commercial flight in 2007, it was hailed as a major aviation milestone. But Airbus’s program, plagued by delays and cost overruns, has failed to live up to the negative expectations that called it the “white elephant of the skies.”

The A380 was a bold attempt to challenge Boeing’s dominance in the large jet market.Airbus has bet billions that airlines will want bigger planes in the future. while Boeing was developing its smaller, more maneuverable 787 Dreamliner. While the A380 found its initial market in Asia and the Middle East, where airlines were looking to carry more passengers per flight, His success was short-lived. With a capacity of 550 passengers and a flight range of 14,816 km. The A380 offered luxury amenities such as first-class suites, bars and beauty salons.. However, after the first wave of orders, especially from Emirates, Demand fell sharply and the program never became profitable.

Project A380 with estimated cost 25 billion dollarsbecame the center of controversy over subsidies from the governments of France and GermanyIn 2018, the World Trade Organization ruled that the European Union had failed to comply with demands to end state aid to Airbus, exacerbating trade tensions with the United States. Since 2007, Airbus has received 313 orders for the A380, of which 234 have been delivered, falling short of its planned 700 units.Despite its popularity with passengers, airlines found the A380 inefficient and expensive to operate, especially with large numbers of empty seats.

WITH rising fuel prices and environmental issuesAirlines began to favor smaller, more efficient aircraft. New models such as the Boeing 777 family, with fewer seats but equal range, greater cargo capacity, and two fewer engines, became more attractive. Since 2005, 57 A380 orders have been cancelled. including from airlines such as Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa. The cargo version of the A380 also failed to generate interest in the shop.

Declining orders, particularly from its largest customer Emirates, eventually led to Airbus ceasing production of the A380. The case reflects significant changes in the aviation industry, where efficiency and sustainability have become crucial for airlines.

The closure also affected Spain, leaving around 500 workers on the streets, although many indirect jobs were also lost. Around 8% of aircraft parts were produced in our country, but Airbus factories in Spain employed hundreds of workers thanks to their technology.

With the end of production of the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, the situation for large-capacity passenger aircraft has changed. Currently, the largest passenger aircraft in operation and production are:

Boeing 777-9

The Boeing 777-9, part of the 777X family, is the largest twin-engine aircraft in the world. It can seat up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of approximately 8,500 miles. The aircraft combines a modern, efficient design with advanced technology, making it an attractive option for airlines that value capacity and efficiency.

Recommended features:

• Fuel Economy: With GE9X engines and advanced aerodynamics, the 777-9 delivers superior fuel efficiency.
• Passenger capacity: Due to its large capacity, it is suitable for routes with high demand.
• Advanced technology: Includes features such as folding wings to allow operations at airports with standard gates.

Airbus A350-1000

The Airbus A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 family and can carry up to 440 passengers in a two-class configuration. Designed to provide greater efficiency and comfort, the A350-1000 is ideal for long-haul flights.

Recommended features:

• Efficiency and environmental friendliness: Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-1000 is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
• Passenger comfort. The cabin has become more spacious and is equipped with innovations that improve the quality of service for passengers, such as improved pressure and humidity.
• Composite Material Technology: Extensive use of composite materials reduces weight and improves efficiency.

Boeing 787-10

The Boeing 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family. It can seat up to 330 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of approximately 7,500 miles (11,910 kilometers). It is known for its efficiency and comfort.

Recommended features:

• Fuel economy: Thanks to advanced engines and aerodynamic design, the 787-10 is one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft.
• Passenger convenience: Includes features such as larger windows, higher humidity and better pressure to reduce jet lag.
• Operational flexibility: ideal for both long-haul routes and high passenger volumes.

Conclusion

The end of production of the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 marks the end of an era of commercial aviation characterized by large-capacity, four-engine aircraft. Industry trends are moving toward smaller, more efficient and more versatile aircraft capable of flying a wider range of routes with lower operating costs. Aircraft such as the Boeing 777-9, Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-10 lead the way today, offering a combination of efficiency, capacity and comfort to meet the needs of today’s airlines and passengers. These aircraft represent the future of aviation, where sustainability and operational efficiency are critical to success in a competitive and ever-changing marketplace.