Why have two -story aircraft flights become increasingly rare?

They are true colossus of engineering, challenging physics when taking off and landing. Two -story passenger aircraft – like the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380 – They are still among travelers’ favorites.

Perhaps by the silent and spacious cabin, or the luxuries offered on board, such as shower suites and bars. For aviation enthusiasts, there is still the charm of flying the upper floor or iconic “part of the nose” of the plane. But it is only a matter of time until these giants say goodbye for good.

More than 50 years ago, 747 inaugurated the “Jumbo Jets” era, making air travel more affordable around the world. Today, however, these planes are too big and too expensive for most companies .

Still, passengers will have a chance to fly them for at least another decade. Currently, 11 airlines maintain two -story aircraft in operation. And to follow competitive, some are even investing in improvements, such as new seats and updates in the onboard service.

What will the future of superjumbos look like?

None of these models are more manufactured. Boeing ended the 747 production in 2022, and Airbus did the same with the A380 – the largest passenger plane in the world – in 2021. This means that its survival depends on the copies that are already in the fleets.

The pandemic accelerated the retirement of these models, as was the case with Air France, which permanently removed its 10 to380s. “The problem of the A380 is not necessarily size, but the low efficiency ”, Explains Brian Sumers aviation expert and founder of *The Airline Observer *.

“Boeing realized before Airbus that the future would be in the lighter and two engines unique corridor jets. Now, of course, both already know that.”

Even so, delays in production and restrictions on the global parts supply of parts make it difficult to deliver new aircraft . This, added to continuous demand for premium experiences, is prolonging the life of the A380 and 747.

Qantas and Etihad, for example, even prepared to retire the A380, but ended up bringing their planes back to heaven.

The British GLOBAL AIRLINES a startup of the sector, escapes the standard: bought an A380 used and plans to purchase three others . The idea is to operate transatlantic flights later this year with an A380 of 16 years. But the economic viability of the plan is questionable.

“The air sector is already challenging under normal conditions. Operating with a small and inefficient fleet makes everything even more difficult,” says Sumers.

And there is one more turnaround: it can be said that the last Boeing 747 has not even shown. Two new 747-8 are being adapted-amid controversy-to become the future US presidential aircraft (Air Force One), scheduled to debut in 2029.

Companies that still operate 747 and A380

Check out the companies that still fly with two -story planes – including those with the best onboard experiences (yes, we’re talking about bars, lounges, suites and more).

Air China

One of the only three companies that still use Boeing 747 (the others are Lufthansa and Korean Air). It has nine units-two 747-400 and seven 747-8-and for now there are no retirement plans.

Ana (All Nippon Airways)

Japan’s largest airline was the last to order new A380 in 2020. It has three units, which operate exclusively between Tokyo and Honolulu. In addition to modern booths in the executive and first classes, aircraft are decorated with a Hawaiian themed painting called Flying Honu. And the oldest of them is only six years old.

Asiana Airlines

South Korean Asian has six A380s. On the upper floor, there is an area of ​​lounge with sofas, exclusive for run -class passengers. The company should merge with Korean Air in the coming years.

British Airways

He replaced his A380 in operation at the end of 2021 and intends to keep them in the fleet for many years. By 2025, the company will begin to reform the 12 planes with a new first class suite.

Emirates

Dubai’s company is the world’s largest operator in the world, with 116 aircraft. And should continue to fly with them for over a decade. “Emirates was the only one who really understood how to take advantage of the A380,” says Sumers.

Highlights include First class suites with spa and shower , bar and lounge in the executive in addition to a new billion investment to add Premium Economy booths in 67 planes.

Etihad Airways

It reactivated its A380 of 486 seats in 2023. Currently has six in operation and one seventh is expected to return later this year. It is famous for “The Residence”, a suite of three environments with living room, bedroom and bathroom – an experience worthy of a private jet.

On board, there are also nine first -class seats with separate bed and armchair, as well as bar and spa. Routes include New York, London, Paris and Singapore (Toronto takes place in NY in August 2025).

Korean Air

Operates both 747 and A380. But those who can choose, should opt for the 747, which have more modern interiors and direct access to the corridor in all seats of the executive – which does not happen in the A380.

“Some customers choose us just to fly on two -story aircraft,” says David Pacey, VP of service on board.

Although both were programmed for retirement until 2025, deliveries delays maintain the aircraft in operation. In March, the company launched a new service on board, with reformulated menus and Frette brand comfort items.

It also offers one of the largest areas for the legs in the economy class, with 33–34 inches between seats.

Lufthansa

The world’s largest 747 operator, German Lufthansa plans to keep these planes longer. The 747-8 models will undergo renovation, with new first-class suites, Allegris executive cabin and a modernized premium economy.

Meanwhile, eight A380s have already returned to active, with two more on the way. The return is due to delays in the delivery of Boeing 777-9. Starting next year, the A380 will also have a new executive class, replacing the old layout 2-2-2.

Qantas

The Australian airline has reformed its A380s in recent years, with more premium seats, 70 new executive suites, an extended premium economy section with 60 seats, as well as enhancements in the first class and the onboard lounge.

“The A380 has always been a favorite of our customers since it started flying in 2008,” says CEO Cam Wallace.

He states that aircraft should continue in operation by 2032, when they will be replaced by the Airbus A350. Currently, eight A380s are in operation, with two additions coming back by 2025 – one of them for the Dallas – Sydney route from August.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has a fleet of eight A380s, yet with no retirement forecast. Although these planes do not have the modern business class, they offer bar on board, lounge and a first -class cabin with eight seats.

Singapore Airlines

It operates 12 a380s, famous for its luxurious first class suites. They are real rooms with over 50 m², reclining armchair, separate bed (two suites can become a double bed) and sliding doors. The company has no immediate plans to retire the fleet.

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Source: CNN Brasil