Why B777's are Replacing B744's

Sadly, most airliners who were flying B744's have replaced them; mostly with B772's or B773's. What is the real reason? Is it less costly to fly the B777's? Are they more fuel-efficient? Can they fly a longer range? Are there other factors that I am over-looking? Only Air China, Lufthansa, El Al, Korean Air, British Airways, Qantas are still flying the B744's for passenger flights. Soon, JAL will stop flying the B744, too. Gone are B744's from Air France, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Olympic, Swissair, ANA, PIA, Air India, South Africa, Cathay Pacific, and others.

Yes, the 777's are much more efficent. 747-400s are old, even though it doesn't seem like it but they are. The 400 series is out of produciton replaced by the 747-8 which IMO is a piss poor job of a replacement. While there are advantages over the old 400 series its clear that in a passenger role the 747-8 is not doing it for the airlines. The 747-8 is more of a cargo bird.

the 747 was originally designed with cargo in mind, which is why the cockpit is on the upper deck. think about fuel too, the 747 has 4 engines while the 777 has only two. even mx costs are lower: you've got two less engines on the 777 and two less MLG assemblies. also, by removing those two engines you've got less anti-icing ducting, less wiring, fuel pumping etc...

the 772LR is capable of 9,380NM and the 773ER 7,930NM while the 744ER can only fly 7,670NM unrefueled. while the 744 can carry more pax, and fly a little faster (.855M compared to .84 for the 777) it still will cost more because you're burning more gas and operating more systems.

now, i don't think the 747 is an obsolete design as yet. the 744ERF can carry 248,600lb of cargo compared to the 777F's 226,000lb. bottom line, pax flying will continue on the 777 and 787 while cargo will see the insides of 747s for some time to come. don't forget that cargo pays more per pound than pax do.

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Originally Posted by Speedbird1

Only Air China, Lufthansa, El Al, Korean Air, British Airways, Qantas are still flying the B744's for passenger flights.

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Dont forget about NWA and United....

Also:

JAL
Cathay
Air France
KLM
ANA
Singapore
Virgin Atlantic

Just to name a few (there are plenty more)

Also you got

Bluesky
China Airlines
Asiana Airlines
Corsair
Air India
Garuda Indonesia
Air New Zealand
EVA Air
Air France (soon to go)
Air Pacific Fuji

That are still flying 744 Pax

The B777 burns a little more than half the fuel of a B747 , has slightly more belly space ( added revenue ) and identical range. The 747 however has a higher overall load carrying capacity (payload) . The days of the 747 carrying pax would seemed to be numbered in airline service at today's fuel prices. However the freighter is a solid performer - as of now No other aircraft can carry 123tons for the -400 for almost 4500nm. The upcoming -8F will carry 140+tons a slightly longer distance.