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Boeing is pulling the plug on production of the 747 after more than half a
century. Bloomberg reports this based on insiders to the American aircraft
manufacturer. According to information not yet officially released, the last
747-8 will roll out of the Everett factory hall in a year or two.
 
According to insiders Bloomberg has spoken, the fact that 747 production is
nearing its conclusion can be deduced from subtle wording in Boeing's
financial statements.
 
The first Boeing 747 flew in 1969, a year later the first production aircraft
was transferred to Pan Am. Since then, the type has been in continuous
production. For fifty years, Boeing received 1,571 orders for the widebody
aircraft, which was (and is) loved by both travelers and crew members.
 
Over the years, the 747 has been regularly upgraded, but the base remains the
same. The distinctive hump on the fuselage and the four engines under the
wings make the 747 one of the most striking commercial aircraft ever.
 
In recent years, Boeing has only delivered freight versions of the 747-8, the
most modern and latest version of the "Jumbo Jet". The passenger version of
that type, unlike previous versions, was not a great success.
 
Like the Airbus A380, whose production will already come to an end next year,
the 747-8 is too big for most airlines. Smaller, more economical twin-engine
aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offer airlines greater
flexibility. Due to the corona crisis, the demand for large aircraft -
including for freight transport - has completely collapsed. Moreover, Boeing
itself has been in financial difficulties.
 
Although production ends, the type will remain in use for a long time,
possibly decades. But mainly as a cargo plane. Due to the corona crisis, many
companies keep their jumbo's on the ground and the question is whether they
will return to operational service in the long term. Airlines such as KLM,
Qantas and Virgin Atlantic even decided to put their entire 747 passenger
fleet out of service early.
 
Boeing did not confirm Bloomberg's reports to Reuters. At a current production
level of 0.5 aircraft per month, the aircraft manufacturer says that it has
more than two years of 747 production ahead of it.

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