The Boeing 747-400D was retired today after the short flight from Okinawa to Tokyo Haneda. The Boeing 747 was first introduced to ANA (All Nippon Airways) in 1978. The Boeing 747SR (short range) was used for the high density routes in Japan. As ANA was successful with the 747SR, they ordered the 747-200, a more modern version of the 747. The -200 opened up more destinations for ANA in Europe and North America. In 1990, ANA received the popular 747-400 (international and domestic). For a while, most airlines with a 747 were successful as fuel prices and the maintenance cost was not comparable as today. In 2000, the fuel prices began rising and the inefficient quad-jet was burning fuel a lot more than the airplanes introduced to the world during that time period such as the new twin engine Boeing 777. Airlines started to retire the 747 from their fleet and so did ANA. First, ANA closed the international routes then the domestic version of the 747. Down to their last two 747, they flew for the last time with ANA March 31, 2014.
Airchive's reliable article on the ANA 747 retirement
New York Times article on ANA 747
No comments:
Post a Comment