Part 6/11:
Boeing's attempts to modernize the 747 with the last model, the 747-8, did not suffice to sustain its market presence. With airlines struggling to justify the operational costs of a superjumbo jet in a more price-sensitive market, orders for the iconic 747 waned. Even as the last 747 rolled off the production line in early 2023, the aircraft's phase-out reflected larger industry patterns favoring efficiency and economic viability.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The final 747s will continue to be operated, particularly as freighter versions, by companies like Atlas Air and Lufthansa. However, their dwindling numbers signal the inevitable decline of an aviation legend. The 747's impact on air travel, while lasting, must now yield to the economics driving modern aircraft design and operations.