Tucked away in pretty dismal results last Wednesday was the indication that Boeing 747-8 production would be completed in 2022 referring back to previous announcements.

The aircraft first flew 31 August 1973 and to date 1,556 have been delivered, but only one in the last six months with the official order book standing at 1,571.  This includes two ‘Air Force Ones’, to replace a pair of 747 – VC 25s circa 1990 and loosely based on the -400 series aircraft then coming into service.  The military have been adamant up to this time that the President’s aircraft must have a minimum of three engines (from the Tristar – DC10 era), but of course this is not the case with helicopters.  Much will depend on who the White House incumbent is from January 2021 onwards.

Long gone Pan American World Airlines was the first operator in January 1970, quickly followed by BOAC (See BTN 20 July).

Recent deliveries of 747s have only been the cargo variant.  Whilst not having a nose loading facility, when it comes to wide-bodied freighter aircraft both the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 777 have proved to be effective cargo planes.  However as a freighter the 747 is likely to be around for some years.

www.boeing.com