Originally Posted by
jrl767
- efficiency relates to capacity (payload, in tons/tonnes) and range as well as fuel burn; the 747 has far more capacity, and likely a bit more range, than the 767
- just like passenger airlines, the cargo operators are trying really hard to optimize the use of their entire fleet -- esp with air cargo demand soaring
- several of those all-cargo carriers (Nippon Cargo and Cargolux, at least) only operate 747s, so the question of more efficient aircraft is irrelevant
I would again point you to FlightAware or FlightRadar24 if you want to check in real time
right now the only 4-engine jet in UK airspace that I can see is a UPS 747 en route from their Louisville/SDF hub to Cologne/CGN
Good answer.
A couple more considerations, even if you have other aircraft types on hand:
1. A 4-engine aircraft may allow a more direct/efficient flight path since no ETOPS issue.
2. Availability of aircraft-specific flight and ground crews.