Which Airlines Operate The Boeing 747-8?

The Boeing 747 aircraft is one of the most beautiful plane there is. This aircraft is very recognizable because of its double passenger decks in the front! Even though this aircraft is very famous, orders of the 747 have plummeted in the recent years and airlines have been favouring more towards the Airbus A380.

As the industry moves to two-engine aircraft, the queen of the skies (as it is known) still amazes everyone wherever she passes. The last iteration of this aircraft is the 747-8 with a long range flight and more efficient than previous versions of the aircraft. Only three airlines have ordered the 747-8 aircraft this last year. So, which airlines are still operating this aircraft?

Air China

Air China has the smallest Boeing 747-8 fleet of the three. The Chinese airline made 2 separate requests for this model which gives it seven Airlines. The initial order of the airline was for five aircraft, which was placed on September 6, 2012.

The airline then was able to place an order for two more of the same type of aircraft. This order was made one year after the 21st December 2013.

At present, Air China has a mixed fleet of 747s with three of their older -400s, and six 800s. It seems like the remaining -400s are in service since the month of March. Five of the six 800s remain in service operating within China as well as Frankfurt as well as New York. 

Korean Air

Alongside Air China, Korean air also signed two distinct Boeing order for 747-8 together with Boeing. Korean Air’s fleet of aircraft is slightly bigger in comparison to Air China’s. However, their initial request was to order the exact number.

Korean Air placed the first of their orders for the model on December 7th, 2009. The order included five of the aircraft like Air China’s initial order. After this, Korean Air ordered an additional five Boeing 7477-8s on October 24, 2013.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is the biggest airline operator using the Boeing 7477-8. It is the German flag carrier placed orders for all its aircraft prior to when Air China and Korean Air put their orders in the first place.

The order of Lufthansa consisted of 19 aircraft. The order was made on December 6, 2006.

Conclusion

The Boeing 7477-8 hasn’t been as successful like the previous generations of aircraft. It’s true that, with the exception of private use, freight and unannounced orders the aircraft have been sold a lot.

Why hasn’t the Boeing 747-8 become a huge success? It’s all due to fuel efficiency. While the 747-8 is certainly more efficient than earlier generations, four engines can’t surpass the efficiency of the Airbus A380. This is the reason why certain airlines are seeking at replacing their 4 engine aircrafts with modern, more efficient dual-engine versions.