Is 2015 a make or break year for jumbo jets?

The jumbo jet faces a make or break year at both Airbus and Boeing, reports Reuters.

“Last year, there were zero orders placed by commercial airlines for new Boeing 747s or Airbus A380s, reflecting a fundamental shift in the industry toward smaller, twin-engine planes,” writes Alwyn Scott, who covers commercial aerospace for the news agency.

Only a handful of commercial airlines are even flying Airbus’ A380, which entered service in 2007, and Boeing’s 747-8, which entered commercial service in 2012.

If neither airplane makers can generate new interest in the monstrous four-engine jetliners, the jumbo jet might become a relic.

Here are some links to the Herald’s coverage of the 747-8’s struggles:

• Uncertain future for 747, ‘Queen of the Skies’

• Boeing says it will cut 747 production in 2015

• Boeing closes in on modest deal for 747 freighters

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.