If there is one thing I thought COVID-19 might kill, it is the Airbus A380. Multiple carriers sidelined their fleets, some retiring them completely. Others wont’ be able to give up on them since they’re, uh, a bit tied to the model. I guess that’s really just Emirates.
However, with travel rebounding, we’re seeing the superjumbos take to the skies once more. British Airways is the latest carrier to plan to return their A380s to service.
I’m going to take this moment to cry foul. This is the wrong plane, BA. You’re supposed to bring back the Queen!
Oh, the Nostalgia
It was a sad day when British Airways retired their entire fleet of 747-400 aircraft. They operated the most of the type. I’d gotten used to seeing both their 747 and A380s grace San Francisco International. The 747 is a sight that will be missed.
My first flight to Britain was on a British Airways 747-400. It is a flight I will always remember. The nostalgia factor is strong with the Boeing 747-400. I only got to fly one a handful of times, but loved every chance I had:
- British Airways 747-400 – Twice
- Delta 747-400 – Twice
- United 747-400 (in Global First) – Once
- Qantas 747-400 – Once
I was supposed to fly a KLM 747-400 with my older kids in 2018 before the Dutch flag carrier retired them all, but a mechanical issue left us with a reroute through Seattle. The 777-200 just isn’t the same.
I’m sure I’ll fly a 747-8 before long. Have to give the upper deck a shot. But I’m not sure I’ll have a chance to enjoy the -400 variant again. 🙁
Ok. Fine. It’s More Fuel Efficient.
If you need to bring back a large aircraft, the Airbus A380 makes more sense from a fuel economy perspective. I can’t find reliable data, and Airbus and Boeing squabble over which large aircraft (A380 or 747-8) is more fuel efficient. As an operator of both, Lufthansa contends that the A380 is slightly better from a fuel-cost-per-revenue-mile.
But British Airways only has -400s, which are even less fuel efficient. Sigh. I don’t think we’ll see the return of the Queen. She was being phased out and met an early demise due to COVID-19. But I will always dream about flying one again.
How do you feel about British Airways? Did you prefer their 747 or A380?
I have flown the 747 many times, and don’t get the fuss. I care about the seats’ hard product, and to a lesser degree the soft product. The aircraft type is tertiary, if that, to my flying experience. If more efficient, more environmental options are available, I see it as a net gain for everyone.
I get that viewpoint, and I bet most people feel that way. But I’m happy to give up a little comfort for the 747 thrill.
The 747 holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts. It’s a beautiful plane that will never be topped because it was introduced during a special era in air travel when jet setting expanded to the masses. It has everything going for it: 4 engines, a second deck (partial), it was tall, it is wide, and it can hold a lot of cargo. People always feel safer with 4 engines.
It’s just cool being on one because of the history. My only time was on Lufthansa business class on a 747-8 a few years ago. It was my first time in business class and it being my first 747 ride made it even more special. I picked the lower deck since I have never been in a cabin with that much open space (a lack of compartments in business compared to new business seats I have experienced subsequently). I walked to the back of the plane during the flight and peaked upstairs for a few seconds.
Have flown BA in first on both the 747 (old cabin and new) as well as the 380 – 747 wins hands down. The 380 is quieter and roomier for sure, but the forward view through the windows, the coziness of the seats and listening to the gear retract and extend all made the experience superior. Cathay easily had the nicest 747 cabin I’ve been in, but BA’s always made me smile and feel at home.
I regret not ever planning a trip in BA first class on a 747. Nothing like being in the nose.
I don’t disagree, love the Queen. However I think other than a handful that went to museums most of BA’s 747’s are tuna cans already.
Makes sense. The decision to retire them seemed quite firm. Still sad.