Originally Posted by
pinniped
I have to admit: while I was aware of the 748, I didn't think Boeing was getting much interest for it from commercial airlines. I too thought I had read somewhere that none were currently on the assembly line. mmff's link suggests that's not true.
So the 748 with its 1970 design is really newly built ? In an era when there are more fuel efficient 380, 777, 787 and 350s ? That amazes me.
Indeed VW is still building the 1930s Beetle (Adolf Hitler's design), but that car is completely redesigned, that is why it is called the
New Beetle.
Originally Posted by
pinniped
In the year 2040, the long-haul jets of choice will probably be 77X's, 787's, and A350's. But none will replace the 747, either in terms of magnitude of change to the industry or prevalence in pop culture.
I don't have such a crystal ball. In 2040 the only aircraft of today will be older 777X built in the 2020s or early 2030s, the 787 and 350 will be phased out, unless there is a 787MAX or 350NEO.
Or the 747MAX, successor of the 748 ?
Or a Chinese nice revolutionary aircraft with the same impact in aviation as the 747 had in 1970. Future will tell....
Well, the 747 is a nice plane, I flew many times on it, but I prefer the A380.