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.
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