For half a decade of the Boeing 747 has been a crucial part of the British Airways fleet. However, as times have changed and more efficient aircraft are favoured, it seems it’s the end for the queen of the skies. With this in mind, which aircraft will British Airways use for its next era of travel?
The current COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the retirement of many aircraft. The British Airways Boeing 747 fleet was already due to be retired in the coming years. However, the death of the queen of the skies has, sadly, been brought forward due to the current pandemic causing far lower passengers numbers.
Short term 747 replacements
In the short term, British Airways will need to use the aircraft that it already has to replace the Boeing 747. Given the lead time associated with acquiring new aircraft, it will be a while until replacement aircraft are delivered.
This means that, for the time being, British Airways will have a smaller fleet. Travel is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024. As such, having a smaller fleet is no problem for British Airways in the interim.
Within its remaining wide-body fleet, British Airways has three types of aircraft. The Airbus A350, the Boeing 777, and the Boeing 787. These are the aircraft that will stand in for the Boeing 747 for now. According to booking change emails received by British Airways customers, it seems as though the 777 is the favourite for Boeing 747 routes right now.
Long term replacements on order
Retiring the 747 is not a surprise move for British Airways. Indeed, prior to the pandemic, plans were already in place to address the fleet shortfall caused by their retirement. Early last year, British Airways placed an order for up to 42 new Boeing 777X aircraft. This comprises of 18 firm orders and 24 options.
At the time IAG’s CEO, Willie Walsh, commented,
“The new 777-9 is the world’s most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways’ fleet. It’s the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network,”
At IAG’s Q3 results presentation last year, we learned some further details about what to expect from the 777X’s delivery. British Airways is expecting to take eight of its 18 firm orders in 2022. However, this was announced before Boeing delayed the 777X program. Originally, the first 777X deliveries were due to take place this year. However, a delay to the aircraft’s first flight meant that the first delivery, going to Lufthansa, was pushed back until next year.
Now, Boeing is targeting its first delivery of the type in 2022. It is unclear if this will delay the delivery schedule of the type. Simple Flying has contacted IAG for comment regarding the delivery schedule.
Will you miss BA’s 747s, or are you excited for the new era? Let us know what you think and why in the comments!