Return of the Giants! Are the B747's and A380's coming Back?!

Click the link or scan the QR code to start your 7-day free trial and get 25% off a premium membership blinkist.com/mentournow
-----------------------------------------------------
Are our beloved Giants, the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380 really completely gone from production now and If that’s the case, Why are we then seeing more and more airlines today bringing them back into service again?!
-----------------------------------------------------
If you want to support the work I do on the channel, join my Patreon crew and get awesome perks and help me move the channel forward!
👉🏻 / mentourpilot
Our Connections:
👉🏻 Exclusive Mentour Merch: mentour-crew.creator-spring.c...
👉🏻 Our other channel: / mentourpilotaviation
👉🏻 Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/mentourpilot
👉🏻 BOSE Aviation: boseaviation-emea.aero/headsets
Social:
👉🏻 Facebook: / mentourpilot
👉🏻 Instagram: / mentour_pilot
👉🏻 Twitter: / mentourpilot
👉🏻 Discord server: / discord
Download the FREE Mentour Aviation app for all the lastest aviation content
👉🏻
-----------------------------------------------------
Below you will find the links to videos and sources used in this episode.
Sources
• #A380 Forever
• Emirates A380 Experien...
• United - Eco-Skies: LA...
• Can flying go green?
• 90초만에 보는 보잉747 이야기
• Airlines reinstate dec...
• Our Iconic A380 is bac...
• Get ready for the FIFA...
• #MoreThanJustAGoodFlig... • The Emirates Airbus A3...
• Emirates Fleet at Duba...
• Airbus' A340 "BLADE" p...
• A380 final farewell/Ai...
• What is a hub airport?
• Why Southwest is havin...
• Qantas: Engine Run Test
• In the Making: First #...
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamline...
• Boeing 777X Vertical T...
• 787 Time Lapse Manufac...
• Delta Airlines CEO: Pe...
• Qatar Airways Airbus A...
• Boeing's Converted Fre...
• A day in the life of o...
• United - A fond farewe...
• SWISS Flight training ...

[@MentourNow]

Click the link or scan the QR code to start your 7-day free trial and get 25% off a premium membership blinkist.com/mentournow

[@fredashay]

You said why in a previous video: there's such a pilot shortage now that the only way airlines can meet demand is to cram all the passengers into a few ginormous aircraft.

[@quitscher71]

You know that Blinkist does not pay any royalties to the authors of the books they “cover”?!

[@Jordan-kk1rh]

Hey mentor I had some recordings that sounded suspicious voice data records, I have no subtitles and the data was deleted a few days prior. Is it possible that KZbin change upload dates aswell??

[@cchris874]

As you hinted towards the end, the super big jets coming back may also have something to do with the sex appeal factor and the symbolic as well. A recent article suggests this is why 747s flew for so much longer than they were economically profitable. So maybe "the Concord factor" applies here?

[@raymondwilson4149]

​@@fredashay😢😮❤❤❤❤🎉5q67❤😊😅

[@qzy123]

I’m an A&P student, and a Boeing rep told us the other day that they have all the 747 tooling in storage in case they want to restart production. I was very surprised to hear that and took it with a large grain of salt, but that’s what one insider said.

[@imsbvs]

do hope it is true, all they need is a new even more powerful engine and this could become a twin jet. Would tick many boxes.

[@ant2312]

they need to be able to build their current range properly before they go back to that

[@danharold3087]

@@imsbvs That would mean a new wing. Do we stop there or just scrap it and go all composite?

[@skylineXpert]

Highly doubt it would be worth it in the long term. Unless it can utilize exsisting 747-400 infrastructure. If not it wont work

[@Rorschach1024]

​@@danharold3087 would it? The wingbox structure would be fine, the pylon and the pylon mount might need redesign, but the wing structure should be fine. Just delete the outer pylons.

[@Mari-tr2yr]

These are beautiful aircraft. Nothing like watching a 747/380 land and take off...just majestic.

[@theacechip]

A380= humongous. B747-200= majestic. It is difficult to view the A380 as an aesthetically pleasing design.

[@Nibinin]

​@@theacechip Once you fly in one, nothing is ever quite the same. Hands down the best ride available right now regarding noise and vibration.

[@The_ZeroLine]

@@Nibinin With its immense size, I can believe it has the smoothest ride. I’d still rather fly the 747. The A380 is great when it’s in a Etihad, Emirates, etc. super luxury configuration. Otherwise it’s a giant minivan nightmare in the sky. I feel bad for Airbus that the A380 was such a financial disaster. So, I’d be happy to see them be able to sell some more models. However, I’d like to see a new 747 passenger model sales.

[@Nibinin]

@@The_ZeroLine Been in cattle class in the a380, 777 and 747 and of the 3 just the noise level and smoothness of the a380 is by far superior. The first time we flew in one my wife asked me (I had a window seat) when we were going to take off and I has to tell her that we had already been in the air for 5 minutes.

[@AntimatePcCustom]

Or go to Hamburg to see them being assembled. 🤩

[@kenbrown2808]

bottom line: it is sometimes more cost effective to run an older less efficient machine than to purchase a new machine that only gives a small increase in efficiency.

[@shrimpflea]

More likely is that it is better to run older less effecient planes than not have anything to run when you are still waiting for your new, more efficient planes to come.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@shrimpflea that, too.

[@Snaproll47518]

Airline executives would tell you it's about total cost of ownership.

[@edmylnychuck6708]

i would agree, when you factor in all the expenses then old and paid for makes more sense. especially if you want to fly more passengers with less airport costs

[@FosterAdventures346]

I've flown on an Emirates A380 and it was hands down the most comfortable flight I've ever been on. I'd love to fly on a 747 one day as well, so the fact that they're back in service makes me so happy!

[@bluerisk]

Maybe it was the seating of Lufthansa, but my flight from Frankfurt to Boston with a 747 was my worst flight ever. The last three hours were simply a torture for my back.

[@print-master]

@@bluerisk should have gone business class

[@zzxx2356]

Every Emirates A380 flight I've been on, the pilots landed the thing like they were dropping a pallet of bricks. Those birds be heavy.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

​@@print-master I've flown in 747s a couple of times decades ago and no problem with economy seats for me (LHR-SIN). I'm just a regular length guy tho 😁

[@mobb35]

Same. If it was up to me I'd fly a380 every time )

[@offshoretinker]

The A380 is the most awesome machine I have ever sat in.

[@keithlivingstone2525]

I live under an Atlantic flight path in NI. If I see ‘high fliers’ with four contrails I always check on FR24. Recently it’s been mostly Lufthansa 747s flying over. And here’s the thing, it ALWAYS brings a smile to my face.

[@norman7179]

747's forever. Love that aircraft and it's beauty. That hump sets it apart from all the others.

[@realArisawaHeavyInd]

First flight i ever took in my life was on a 747 when I was 17 and leaving home in Missouri to move to New Zealand on my own. The sheer scale of the aircraft added what was already a completely life-changing experience. Everything I was doing was so utterly new to me, and on top of all that, I was being taken to the other side of the world by something so impossibly gigantic. I was absolutely blown away by its enormity; I couldn't believe such a gargantuan machine could get off the ground. Have had a special place in my heart for these behemoths ever since, has always been a disappointment to me that I've never gotten to fly in another one since then

[@peterkotara]

Kudos to you for making such a bold move at 17. My first international flight was at 8, Auckland to Nandi, Fiji - DC10 (That aircraft would end up crashing into Mt Erebus 2 years later). Left NZ for for Australia by myself 10 years later on a mostly empty Qantas 747-400.

[@thomasm1964]

​Mine was "in utero" as my parents flew to Hong Kong to escape the IRA. Dad's name had been deliberately leaked to keep a double agent credible so he returned from infiltrating an IRA parade to find my Mum under armed guard with a couple of packed suitcases. Meanwhile, a contingent of soldiers was packing up their house. They were whisked to RAF Brize Norton the same day and, 24 hours later, they were on board an RAF Bristol Britannia - the whispering giant of its day. Exciting times for my 24 year-old Dad and 21 year old Mum. Although, at eight months pregnant, the 24 hour flight was hell for her and I am not entirely sure my eventual explosion into the world was sufficient recompense! Three years later, my first "conscious" flight was also in a Britannia. I can still remember walking out onto the apron of Kai Tak at night and seeing what looked like a ginormous aeroplane standing under the yellow apron lights. Modern technology is amazing but the glamour of long ago has well and truly gone.

[@realArisawaHeavyInd]

@@peterkotara Maaaaan a mostly empty 747 would be a trip and a half - if you yelled for a stewardess it'd take a full second before your echo got back to you lmao

[@aerotube7291]

Haha, yes, i did the same as a 10 year old in 83 from uk to nz(with mum, dad and dads parents)....i was v sick on the first leg to LA, then my brother was even sicker the rest of the way via tahiti.

[@peterkotara]

@@realArisawaHeavyInd NO. They sat me up near the front galley and kept me company because I was teary-eyed (ya know, leaving home for the big O.E, all my mates had seen me off at the airport, yada yada). They plied me with alcohol and food and we shot the shit and laughed all the way there. I'm still friends with one of the crew to this day, 36 years later.

[@Plen3716]

I was the happiest person alive when I discovered I will be flying the QANTAS A380 from Singapore to Sydney!!! Can’t wait to go A380 to and from London next year too!!!!

[@10lauset]

I remember when the 747 was first introduced. I flew on one in the early 1970s. The last 747 flight after the summer tours Air Canada from Toronto to Heathrow was less than a quarter full. Amazing and was able to see the flight deck (pre-hijack popularity). Cheers

[@choosumfat]

I really love 747s and fly on them quite often, like once or twice a year, mainly on Lufthansa's route from NY to Germany. Though you can definitely see and feel their age. But I just flew on one to Frankfurt few months ago and surprisingly it was brand spanking new inside. Felt so good.

[@madamebkrt]

In what way can you "see and feel their age"? Really curious. The last time I flew a 747 was a BA -400 but that was in 2011 and I don't remember much about it.

[@choosumfat]

@@madamebkrt In the way that they are just pretty old inside. This last one surprised me because it was clearly completely redone like it left the factory the day before.

[@madamebkrt]

@@choosumfat That's so interesting.

[@edheather4056]

The 747 is and will always be queen of the skies.

[@goldenhate6649]

@@choosumfat refurbishment may have been held off until the execs realized they were dead wrong. A big problem with discontinuing 4 jet engine planes is twin engine jets can't do transoceanic flights as easily, not because of range, but because many routes are just flat out illegal due to danger.

[@rover-t]

Flew Korean A380 to LAX last month and was so great. By far the most comfortable and quiet plane - ahead of the 747. Most memorable flights were on A380 Emirates Business with the bar in the rear!

[@ricardokowalski1579]

An additional factor is that there are not enough pilots/crew for multiple smaller aircraft. The shortage of pilots RIGHT NOW (after the covid layoffs and retirements), means that they are making do with 747 and A380 rated pilots that are left. There is no point in training anybody on a 787 or 777x that it is not available. One last thing, there is a *huge* market of 2nd hand spares for 747. That will surely have counted in the financial decision.

[@robg5958]

Great informative video! I used to work in aviation repair and overhaul at ASL Lemwerder formerly MBB, in Germany and I worked mainly on Airbus A300/310/330/340. Also, I worked extensively on Airbus A320/321/319. Working on Airbus aircraft was much easier structures wise than on Boeing. Airbus pioneered many of the modern methods of production and inovation. Perhaps you might consider making a video about aircraft repair and overhaul comparing Airbus and Boeing products. Also, include include a look at how European repair facilities have suffered at the hands of Asian fascilities, who priced them out of the market: ASL Lemwerder was a perfect example!

[@kenoliver8913]

You'd need a series, not just one video, because the logistics and economics of airline fleet maintenance is surprisingly complex (and, not being his bread and butter, a topic that Petter would need to spend a lot of time researching).

[@fltof2]

It's impressive how good Mentour production quality has gotten lately. I mean, Petter always did an impressive job early on, but the help he's gotten is showing. I like his new set too! It's one of the more subtle 'I love me' walls. Although, I always liked the dog-friendly videos he did in his living room.

[@lucrolland7489]

I have a friend who happens to be an engineer from Cargo Lux and he keeps telling me that there are not adequate replacement for the Boeing 747 cargo version as it has a high cockpit and a front alongside loading capacity. They would really need to a true double deck replacement and the four engine allows them to fly everywhere even over the Pacific. By the way, many chied of states prefer the quad engines.

[@dennis12dec]

Many A380 operators like British Airways have been sending their aircraft to Manila for extensive maintenance, repair and overhauling handled by Lufthansa Technik Philippines after a long storage before returning to full passenger service. My cousin is one of the engineers and technicians who worked on this massive aircraft.

[@Kuricang31]

The case of Manila is very interesting. Although the airport never received any regular A380 flight, the airport still receives it's fair share of A380 from Lufthansa and British Airways that came for maintenances

[@goldenhate6649]

@@Kuricang31 May have just been conveniently located for refurb rather than any sort of actual passenger service.

[@Kuricang31]

@@goldenhate6649 Not sure about that but IIRC, Lufthansa Technik PH didn't have the necessary capacity/equipment to refurbished the A380. Maybe they could do it with 777s but not sure with the 'flying whale'

[@stevetournay6103]

A340's been my favourite for years. Looks like an oversized 707 or DC-8 (whereas the 380 looks like an overfed one!).

[@martydas6233]

A380 looks like an A320 on an overdose of anabolic steriods

[@theacechip]

Again, the A340-300. The 500/600 look a bit out of whack, especially the 600, which looks like a stretch limo out in town for a gala dinner. Unfortunately, the A340-300 had those hair dryers as engines. But yes, it is one of those "quiet" planes that some of us seem to love. And the 2-4-2 combination is always better than the 3-3-3 or 3-4-3.

[@fra93ilgrande]

707 and DC8, the golden age 😍🔝🔥✈️✈️

[@veenarasika1778]

Having worked in the high tech industry for more than 2 decades, my observation is that while companies may have certain core values, if the business model isn't flexible it isn't likely to survive long term. In other words, many things the executives say are not set in stone. What made sense 2 years ago doesn't necessarily make sense today.

[@mendel5106]

Maybe they will convert them to freighters. I would definitely like flying the 747 again. As long as they can get service and replacement parts for the 747 it should be able to fly for about 30 years from delivery date to the airline.

[@Kuricang31]

Yes but it's not that profitable as the converted 747s aren't able to open its nose which cargo operators are badly needed as it could get them loaded much bigger cargo and converting regular 747 into one is super expensive

[@CaraVerde]

Even for nobody who is very far from an aviation geek like me, the 747 left unforgettable experience to me as a child. The hump is unmistakable 😍

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

I got put into upstairs first class on a 747 once, for the price of downstairs cargo, how the other half live. There was only two of us there, the other one was Madonna, no lies, maybe... 🎶👍😎

[@CaraVerde]

@@huwzebediahthomas9193 I very rarely flew, and unfortunately those very few flights had never involve 747 in the mix. Still, it's the plane that amazes me the most 🥰.

[@mruncletheredge]

I still remember getting on my first 747 back in 1979 when I was 10 years old.... Air India from JFK... I can still remember walking into that plane thinking "man this thing is HUUUUGE" .... That was probably the reason why I became an Aviation junkie... Plus, their Cadbury Chocolates were the best... 🙂

[@CaraVerde]

@@mruncletheredge I saw it when my parents on the process of boarding (Cathay Pacific, if I remember it correctly). My thought was exactly the same as yours there. At the age when double decker busses already made me feel amazed, imagine what I felt knowing a plane that could do the same 🥰.

[@mruncletheredge]

@@CaraVerde It was the moment right before entering the aircraft.... ( @ the age of 10) Where one foot is inside the plane and one foot is still on the jet bridge... I just saw the entire length of the exterior of the plane and thought, how can this thing get off the ground.... Whatever happened in that moment led me into a world of pure "coolness".... In my twenties, I used to work for a major airline.... Not as a pilot, but as Fleet Service (guys in the ground)... Even in my twenties, I used to stick my head into those giant engines and just stand in awe.. Note, these were pre 911 days... Things were a lot looser back then.. Am getting old now, but I'm still craving model airplanes as a hobby... I always tell people that if I could go back and do it all over again, I'd either be a Pilot OR a Rockstar 😎.....

[@Eddyspeeder]

The news that so many A380s will live to see another day made my heart jump. It really hurt me when it was announced they'd be dismantled. I knew people who were part of the earliest design phases (modeling the aerodynamics etc.), so I had been anticipating this beautiful plane for in between 15 and 20 years. The first time one passed overhead on its approach into Frankfurt, I was in awe; I can still remember how the bluish shimmer of dawn accented its contours. The smooth rumbling of an A380 is unique and I love hearing it. And the first time on that plane... oh yes, what a smooth experience indeed! And my favorite part: adjusting the temperature on the water taps in the bathroom stalls. I hope you filmed that! Taking all that into account, learning that they would only fly for 10 years and I would not ever be flying on one of those really was a gut-punching experience. Pretty crazy to be so infatuated with a pile of not-so-old-but-still-scrapyard-ready aluminum, huh?

[@murphychurch8251]

I feel the same. Whenever I get to see the A380 flying low, half of my face is a big grin and I can't help but be in awe. It's crazy to see her flying low, because somehow she always seems to be much slower than she should be, if you know what I mean. Probably some kind of visual trap because of the plane being so big. I'm just a bit bummed that at Düsseldorf, they currently have her scheduled in the evenings and the afternoon flight is serviced by a 777 instead. So less opportunity to see the A380 by chance when I'm out and about in the area for work or shopping.

[@gdutfulkbhh7537]

Scrapyard-ready GLARE (GLAss REinforced laminate) in fact... somewhat less recyclable than older aircraft types. What a shame that the EU’s flagship technology project failed... but it was always about politics rather than rational economics.

[@sameebah]

I worked on the material and structural development & testing, as well as some assessing of suppliers for the A380. We were all dismayed when the decision to halt production was made. I've flown on the A380 many times (including the "Early Long Flight" test phase before they entered into service) and always enjoyed the experience.

[@Psychlist1972]

I've been able to fly business in an Emirates A380 a few times. It's really a great experience.

[@TairnKA]

Being a retired Boeing employee, I find your commentary enlightening and enjoyable. Thank-you. ;-)

[@marsaustralis6881]

I'm going to miss these giants when they finally retire for good. Every flight I was on one of those was a memorable one. There's just something neat about flying in such a massive aircraft that can't be replicated with the much smaller ones. That being said, I also wish they'd live on in militarized variants, with groups; such as the USAF upgrading their aging fleets with modern equivalents, or upgrading a few to larger 747s where viable to commonalize them (such as the new VC-25Bs and the E-4s, maybe upgrading the E-6s and E-8s to 747s as well), or maybe France going big with their own A380 "Air Force 1" equivalent and Britain with a British AF1 based on the 747.

[@BubbafromSapperton]

What people nowadays haven't experienced is the engine roar of the original 747's, I live by an airport and back in the day the planes flew right over the city, couldn't miss them flying overhead! 😊

[@sharoncassell9358]

I grew up near JFK and started plane spotting at 6 years old. No camera 1958. We moved and I did not fly until 1973. Too dumb to ask to see the flight deck inside. Ended up seeing one in a C 141 in USAF as an aircraft mechanic. And AD10 F15 and T38 trainer.

[@monkymind4316]

Given all the complexities of running an airline it is fascinating how they are able to make these shifts fairly quickly to meet demands. God bless 🙏🙏🙏

[@sharoncassell9358]

I flew in a 747 not a 380 yet. I would like to compare. I'm sure they are comparable both big birds.

[@Alex462047]

I have flown on both the 747-400 and the A380. They are both massive aircraft. The thing that fascinated me about the A380 was how the cabin walls were barely curved (a function of the massive fuselage).

[@quintuscrinis8032]

The A380 is such a brilliant experience, even in Qantas' economy.

[@cristiancristi9384]

I live 10 minutes away from Charles de Gaulle airport... Planes fly over my house when they are landing.... What a sight and mighty roar when big A380's fly over very low especially early morning or at sunset....... I've seen quite a few 777's too, but 747 is quite rare sight.... The last one I saw one was last Summer. .. what a beauty... Although planes above are common thing, I just kept gazing at its majesty in sunset.... 😁 Funny that often they use to lower the landing gear exactly when they are above the house, and the whistle from air currents they produce while doing so sounds from down here much like car tires screeching when breaking hard.... Almost like these planes are breaking hard into the air in order to land.... Quite unusual and somewhat funny... 😆

[@srinitaaigaura]

I feel for that 747-8 that was scrapped almost brand new.

[@probiethetank8825]

I hope Delta brings a few 747’s back. I flew on one as a kid, would love to fly first class as a adult!

[@1986kerrichinchilla]

its my dream to fly in an A380. My neighbour was one of the men who helped design the A380. he gave me so much merch when i was a kid. I kick myself that i never saved it

[@phil73805]

The A380 is definitely flying. I was flying the London heliroutes on Monday last week and there were two A380s in the queue for 09R at Heathrow. I have pics to prove it 😊

[@Yattayatta]

I love flying on the A380, whenever possible I book on it even if the alternative is cheaper, so comfortable to fly in.

[@anthonyblacker8471]

In the States, I fly Frontier. Yes, it's a budget airline but it's almost ALWAYS a direct flight (other than anything from the east coast past the Rockies, there's always a layover for that due to fuel requirements I believe. Otherwise, NO HUBS other than 1 or 2 for Frontier so it's SO easy to jump on a plane 2 3 hours tops and you're there. No stopping after maybe a 45 minute hop, wait an hour or 2 then take another 45 minute hop. That's a 5 hour trip you do in 2 for like 39 bucks. Yeah

[@arlenbell4376]

I loved flying on 747s and wish all future passenger aircraft would adopt two aisle 2,2,2 seating. It was great to be able to walk around the 747 on long flights.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I hate 3 across seating with a passion.

[@dansmith5524]

I've watched many of these "Future of, or Demise of the A380/747's" analysis videos and one aspect that none ever mention is the pilot shortage that is expected later in this decade and how airlines might one day look at them and realize that with the same two pilots an A380 or747 can carry a lot more passengers than the smaller planes that are popular with airlines today. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.

[@raymarshall6721]

The caveat to that is the 380 is limited to where it can go based on whether the airport did the rebuilds needed for it. 74 doesn't suffer from that.

[@workonitm8]

It's scary when they talk about airplanes without pilots (robots and computers)

[@goldenhate6649]

@@workonitm8 We learned with Boeing that that is a terrible idea

[@BlackBuck777]

A380 returns to Glasgow March 26th - looking forward to watching the brick flying again.

[@carlam3990]

I am happy to know the A380 will be around at least a bit longer. Best trip ever on Emirates some years ago, even in economy class (besides, and probably related to the difficulty in filling up these big planes, I remember receiving a last minute offer when I was going to fly back: for extra 500, I could update to business, so I did. It was so nice!

[@Nonyabiz69]

I work at Boeing and we are still machining 747 parts even though our site's contract ended 9 months ago.

[@DanRoett]

The 747 has been my favorite aircraft since the 70s. I remember the first time I saw one in flight. My dad and I were stuck with car trouble on I75 Atlanta. I had a Pan American 747 fly overhead while standing on the side of the road. I was 11 or 12 years old. I started flight lessons at 13 years old.

[@csk4j]

I always thought "green" peer pressure played a role in hasty retirement that it turned out was not realistic.

[@jahbern]

A couple years ago my daughter toured the aviation college she’s attending now. The young woman giving the tour showed us a 747 engine they had for their maintenance students to practice on - and she mentioned that her dad flew the 747 and she was sad she would never get a chance to fly one. She would be graduating this year. I wonder if maybe one day she actually will get to fly the plane of her dreams ❤

[@sebastiandiaz6216]

The B747 has been on my bucket list for years. I've been fortunate enough to fly on the LH A380, but the queen of the skies is a must for me.

[@klakpin]

Jeez, I cannot wait for my flight on A380, super excited about this giant

[@Suburp212]

The A380 should be the standard airplane for all long hauls.

[@pedrorocha7847]

I might be the only one with this way of thinking and I could agree that it might be a little of a retro affection too. But what I honestly think is that, retiring such Aircraft (B747, A380, Quadjets in general) it´s a mistake of gigantic proportions. We could see, during covid, how important the B747(and of course all other Aircrafts) became, in transporting medical equipment and cargo. Quadjets are very important in such situations. Sorry for the long text. Thank you very much for the excellent work Captain !

[@mikebashford8198]

I live about 6 miles from BHX, and really miss seeing the Emirates A380s flying over my house. I'm looking forward to their return in July.

[@FuelPoverty]

Yup, same here, we live in Quinton and miss them passing at low level.

[@Mark-oj8wj]

Another very relevant point in a two v four engine discussion is the etops limits of the modern twin jets. In the past four engines had an advantage of being able to fly more direct between trans oceanic destinations whereas twin engine jets had to stay closer to enroute alternates. Nowadays the etops limits are so big that they rarely prevent a direct routing taking away the advantage four engines had.

[@smitajky]

Even so I would be a little concerned if an engine failure happened somewhere over the pacific and, while flying on one engine, the captain announces that they are having a bit of trouble with the other one.

[@davidenard1403]

On 10+ hours intercontinental flights comfort is absolutely paramount and for this reason I always go out of my way to find the flights operating A380, even if it means more expensive. Unparalleled comfort.

[@mas921]

A380 is my favorite aircraft to fly in!

[@ShroomJ]

My first ever flight was on a 747 when I was a young child, it was one of the biggest inspirations in my life until this day. Since then I have flown on Emirates A380s multiple times. It's truely fantasitic to fly on these giants of the skys and offer far better comfort and space than their smaller wide bodied sister aircrafts, for the most part at least. I would love to see more airports accomodate the A380, I see many airports which offer maintenance for the A380 but not offer passenger services. Travelling recently it's like the pandemic never happened in terms of amount of people travelling now. I hope the costs can come back down to a reasonable level and keep pushing innovations.

[@michaelogden5958]

I was privileged to fly 747s from Honolulu to Nadi (Fiji) and back during the late 80s. That was WAY before airborne cattle trucks. The service and general atmosphere on the flights was phenomenal. Easily the pinnacle of my days of hopping jets here and there.

[@QuicknStraight]

I live in SE Asia and any long haul travel I do is mostly to visit family in Europe. I pay for my own travel and I am 6'4" tall. The only way I will do those journeys is as an Emirates FF on their A380 services. It's one of the roomiest economy cabins. Having to fly long haul in cramped economy cabins on smaller aircraft is not a pleasant thought!

[@NoTaboos]

Airlines made a mistake in not ordering the 747-8. Magnificent aircraft.

[@Delfontes]

I just went to Hawaii (6h flight from Phoenix) on a 737 max... It felt like a cheap packed in bus compared to a dreamliner... I hope we go back to bigger planes:(

[@smitajky]

I was prepared for some discomfort on the smaller plane. However from Melbourne to Hawaii and then from Hawaii to Seattle it was an extremely uncomfortable experience. On that bus they can stop and let you out to stretch your legs from time to time. On the 737 they didn't let you outside for the entire flight. Meaning the cheap packed in bus was far more comfortable. They could use these planes on the Guantanamo bay holiday route. To get the inmates used to having to suffer.

[@MrRugbylane]

Ahh the A380. I was lucky enough to fly a Qantas A380 to and back from Australia in 2013. Absolutely the most comfortable and impressive aircraft Ive ever flown on.

[@andrewmurray1550]

fly as in pilot or as a passenger?

[@MrRugbylane]

@@andrewmurray1550 Just as a passenger 😀

[@charlestoast4051]

The A380 is my favourite plane to fly on, particularly on Emirates flights. So much more room, and much better service and cabin crew with Emirates. The main downside is how long it takes to get your bag off an 800 seat plane - it often takes an hour!

[@richtonk]

This is so well researched and explained. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@gaelgauth8470]

I had the chance to fly Corsair's 747-400 Right before it was retired in 2018. This was my best flight experience.

[@FutureSystem738]

I’ve flown the 737 (300, 400, and 800) 747 (200, 300, and 400), and 767 (200 and 300) during my Qantas career, (not in that order :-). My favourite, by far, is the 747-400, just a fabulous aeroplane, and I would also call it the easiest of all these planes to fly. And yes, I’d love to have also flown the 747-800.

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

I'm glad the 747 will keep flying.I love to look up and see one fly overhead.Its just an iconic aircraft.The A380 is also impressive to see flying.Now,if only we could get the Concorde back flying that would be really nice.That plane is a show stopper.

[@kenoliver8913]

That plane was not just a show stopper but an eardrum breaker. A problem inherent to supersonic flight and the reason it has no successor.

[@bwuepper439]

Airline economics sure are complicated with many variables that affect each airlines decision as to what they fly. Thanks for taking the time to enlighten me on this.

[@DamianLow_97]

Surprisingly, one of my first post-pandemic flights was on the B747-8 with Lufthansa from FRA to SIN. An interesting experience because I was too young to remember the last time I've been on any B747.

[@richteffekt]

Great stuff; I became quite the fan over the recent few videos. One thing to also bear in mind is that many airlines do no longer place the orders to the manufacturer but instead lease the aircraft. This might entail stronger incentives for mere cost efficiency over value investment in aircraft for ever larger segments of the market. So that precious few companies would even consider purchasing large aircraft.

[@aobane841]

I’ve flown on both aircrafts, the 747 when I was a kid, and the A380 before the pandemic. The latter is so heavy that you don’t even feel turbulence. That massive beast barely moves when going in and out of wind tunnels.

[@rolanddunk5054]

I think that for a jet airliner the 747 is the most graceful looking aircraft in the skies,she just looks right.Roly🇬🇧

[@AlTheEngineer]

Personally, I'd pay more to ride an A380 on long haul flights. It is SOOOO comfy and silent. It is such a pleasure IMHO, its a shame if it really went away.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Great video 👍 I was wondering when I saw A380 flights London - Auckland. It made my dreams to visit New Zealand even stronger. Not that more expensive to pop down there for a couple of days when going to visit my brother in Adelaide (from Sweden). Being able to go in the A380 once again doesn't make the dream less wonderful 😁

[@ARCANEmateCLAN]

Done that trip recently, was great.

[@asc.445]

The A380 never went anywhere, it's an amazing experience to fly in them. The 747 just doesn't compare these days.

[@johndoh5182]

I think in the US the major airlines like Delta, AA and United are moving to a hybrid model where they use point to point and hub and spoke, depending on the cities because I still see a main hub being used like a main hub, and that's DFW. There are times when the incoming traffic is lined up on 3 approaches and I can look in the sky and see 9 - 12 incoming at the same time, and that's about all the visibility you get here from the ground. That's also about as far back as the planes will line up for the approach to the airport.

[@oscargeorge1]

I love these big beauties! Please bring them back!!

[@lindabarrett5631]

I'm always at the edge of my seat waiting for a new video. 🙂 Have there been any new air accident investigations? Thank you for your coverage and dedication to reporting facts without judgments.

[@ditzygypsy]

This is so cool! I was going to ask you to talk about this very thing a couple of weeks ago!

[@commuterjack]

I love them both- especially the a380. I really hope that they stay here for a while to come.

[@leohofstadter]

Thank you Petter, as always top notch content. I love both your channels equally, i am very happy to hear news of the industry on NOW and to enjoy the technical explanation of accidents on Mentour. You are really getting to the top of your game. Lovely! I understand all the mess Boeing is going through, concerning 737, 787, 777, but also poor mamagement and an incredible opposition represented by Airbus. So i am sure they have enough on their plate. But don’t you think that a replacement of the 757 would be an incredible success, especially for the american market? Middle size, long haul plane, twin jet… it seems to tick the boxes for many airlines, for sure in America, but also in Europe. It could be used for trans-atlantic routes, for example, taking away some filling concerns that big planes bring within, especially in the winter months. Why do you think it is not considered a interesting target? I understand that Airbus might be playing the waiting game, but i thought it could be a good investment for Boeing. Thanks a lot for your commitment in these channels. I appreciate it very much!

[@__-fm5qv]

Ngl I will be pretty sad when the last 747 flight takes place, it's such an iconic plane. I hope she keeps flying for a few more decades.

[@emrysj4388]

my last 747 flight was in 2016 flying to CA from Japan. definitely my favorite aircraft of all time and someday i still hope to fly on one again. keep up the good videos!

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

We were walking on the beach last summer and saw a British Airways A3870 coming in low and slow, what a beautiful sight it was!✈✈👍👍

[@RichM3000]

Returning aircraft one already owns to service is quite different than buying new ones, of course. It's sad that the economics are such that airlines that already bought (and paid for) these aircraft have to think long and hard about returning them to service, but it's definitely not a sign that there will be renewed demand for new ones. To the contrary, the airlines not returning them to service aren't finding ready buyers for those planes.

[@Kenadams240]

Great video. Wow, I thought the A380 and 747 were just going to fade away not make a comeback!

[@adamlee3772]

That was undeniably fascinating for me to watch. I used to fly Australia to Asia and London on Cathay a lot but also Qantas. The video appeals to the geek in me. Thanks for taking the time to produce it.

[@bobmacleod8750]

I live in Orlando, about 5 miles due east of the airport. From this location, we often have planes flying over either during arrival or departure as the are in the final approach or initial launch. But we do not have the noise that comes from being right under the takeoff and landing line. Every afternoon we used to see 3-5 747s coming in from Europe, and the prevailing winds meant landing about 75% of the time. Then two hours later the winds had changed and they would leave on the reverse direction, so we got to see them both ways. We could tell by the sound when they were coming and my kids-now adults-never tired of running out to see "Big Red" (Virgin Atlantic) or Lufthansa or BA. Apparently it made an impact: My oldest son now works for Boeing in Everett.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

13:46 - I guess the problem with the A380 for cargo is the floor between upstairs and downstairs, it is an integral part of the fuselage overall strength and can't be removed.

[@Snaproll47518]

Replacing the carbon fiber floor beams made cargo conversion too costly.

[@boffisgd]

As far as stored A380s I think Airbus should grab 2-4 ex Air France/Malaysia A380s and use them as leasing/charter for airlines that might need extra capacity for shorter periods, similar to what Antonov does (Or did) in the Cargo market with their AN-124s and the now wrecked AN-225.

[@Snaproll47518]

Aircraft leasing is not the core business at Airbus.

[@madbadger85]

Makes more sense to move a lot of people at once rather than a few at a time

[@davidswift9120]

Really loving your channel. If we could go back 20 years ago with this, you'd have inspired me to become a pilot!

[@BryanDorr]

The 747 was also a reliable aircraft. ETOPS has put the tri-jets and 4-engine jets out to rest. Now 737s have become basically a twin-engine 707 with comparable capacity and range.

[@kamilgerc1]

Thank you, fantastic topic and fantastic material❤.

[@villiamo3861]

Superbly explained. Well done!

[@protovack]

My only experience on a 747 was South African Airways, a red eye out of Durban to London I believe. It was the best flight I've ever taken. It was like "Aaaah. I get it now. other aircraft don't fly this smooth--not even close". queen of the skies pretty much nails it. A380 is king, but 747 is much finer :D

[@ShikataGaNai100]

We flew a couple of weeks ago from Narita to Honolulu on an ANA A-380 Honu. Japan Airlines used to fly a 747 on the Haneda (Tokyo) to Osaka route daily; a trip with about 50 minutes flight time. They were almost always full. In fact, heavies are used on most JAL and ANA domestic routes, largely because of the relatively short flight times on most domestic Japanese routes. And, remember, they face heavy competition from the Shinkansen high speed trains.

[@madamebkrt]

The 747s used must have been the SP; if I remember correctly they were made for Japan as they wanted a high-capacity aircraft that could fly short-range. I'd love the opportunity to fly in one.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@madamebkrt 747SR-26 a/c were used on that route. Capable of carrying 524 souls. JAL once owned 126 747s, more than any other carrier.

[@madamebkrt]

@@ShikataGaNai100 I know a woman who used to be a FA for JAL and worked on the 747s. She said it was brilliant.

[@fewetube]

A former coworker used to work for Boeing. He said that they actually investigated if a fixed gear version of the 747 would make sense from a weight vs efficiency vs drag trade off for the short haul Japanese market. Obviously, it didn’t make sense.

[@busofmauritius8306]

@@madamebkrt 747SR (Short Range) they had stronger reinforced fuselage, smaller cargo space and more seats. Only used by JAL & ANA

[@roberthenry9319]

Marvelous, as always. Thank you.

[@carvel9065]

Your segway prowess is on point sir!

[@LuigiRosa]

Flew 3 legs with LH 747 in the last 2 months in Y, two times a dash-8 and one time a 400. Compared to the new airplanes are "old" and very noisy. In one leg the infotainment system didn't work in my seat and in the seats around me. I had the feeling that 747 is becoming the Queen Mother of the Sky 🙂

[@XaviRonaldo0]

I want to fly in a 747 one day but unfortunately only cargo 747s come to Australia anymore. Qantas retired their last 747 in 2020 IIRC

[@jimi272]

Which was a shame given that some of these 747-400ER were only 13 years old at the time…

[@Brutaga]

These big birds are beautiful, but more importantly their reinstatement back into service, indicates confidence in their future, contrary to those who’d rather they didn’t exist

[@thealcohologist8624]

I think it should also be said that with the growing pilot shortage, airlines will need these larger capacity planes until they can produce more pilots. Great video btw