British Airways Retires 747 Jumbo Jets: A Farewell to the Queen of the Skies

Next time you’re gazing out across the tarmac at , you’re going to see a strikingly different view – namely, a significant absence of the 31 747 jumbo jets that have been an essential part of British Airways’ fleet since July of 1989. These classic Boeing planes, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Skies,” are the latest casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, forced into retirement four years early as the airline industry grapples with the consequences of stay-at-home orders and dwindling demand for international travel.

“This is not how we wanted or expected to have to say goodbye to our incredible fleet of 747 aircraft. It is a heartbreaking decision to have to make,” said British Airways’ Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz in a statement. He continued, “So many people, including many thousands of our colleagues past and present, have spent countless hours on and with these wonderful planes – they have been at the center of so many memories, including my very first long-haul flight. They will always hold a special place in our hearts at British Airways.”

Changes in Fleet Strategy

The 747s were initially scheduled to leave service in 2024, to be replaced by more fuel-efficient aircraft models. However, British Airways has opted to retire its jumbo jets immediately, as they are costly to operate, especially when flying with limited passengers. Instead, the airline will continue to operate a fleet of six A350s and 32 787s, which are 25% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors.

Industry-Wide Changes

British Airways is not alone in making the challenging decision to phase out its 747s. According to Credit Suisse, an astonishing 91% of 747s are currently grounded due to the high operational costs associated with fuel and maintenance, especially in a time when travel demand has plummeted. Airlines such as Lufthansa and Qantas Airways have also retired their older 747s ahead of schedule in response to the pandemic.

The Boeing 747 was first introduced in 1969 as a significant advancement in aviation technology. It opened the doors for long-haul flights, allowing more passengers to travel to far-off destinations directly. Recognized for its luxury features, including the upper deck bar and lounge, the Boeing 747 became a staple in the aviation industry.

Environmental Considerations and Future of Aviation

However, the same attributes that made the 747 iconic ultimately contributed to its decline. The four-engine aircraft is considerably less fuel-efficient compared to newer models like the 737 MAX and A320, which are now more popular. Consequently, Boeing has announced its plans to cease production of the 747 by 2023, with many airlines voicing environmental concerns and the rising fuel costs as contributing factors to their decisions to retire the aircraft.

British Airways has expressed its commitment to creating a more environmentally friendly fleet as part of its strategy to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

This reduction in business size translates to shedding 12,000 jobs, which accounts for about 30% of British Airways’ workforce. Its parent company, IAG, has been seeking government assistance to stabilize its financial situation. Other European airlines, like Air France, are pursuing similar measures, but such financial aid often comes with stringent conditions related to carbon emissions, further limiting the operational viability of older aircraft like the 747.

The last of the Queen of the Skies on British Airways’ balance sheet will soon make their final journeys to airplane graveyards in locations such as Gloucester, Châteauroux, or Teruel. Here, they will be dismantled, with their interiors stripped and useful parts salvaged to maintain other 747s still operational, as a few Asian airlines continue to utilize their jumbo jets. Nonetheless, this marks the conclusion of an era for a once-revered aircraft at Heathrow.