United will withdraw Boeing 747 aircraft until the end of 2017

Boeing 747 aircraft, especially those in the 400 series, will be withdrawn from commercial services. Most airlines focus on optimizing expenses, on passenger comfort, but also on streamlining operations.

Once recognized as the "Queen of Heaven," the Boeing 747 aircraft loses ground in front of new models in the Airbus A330neo / A350 and Boeing 777 / 787 families. It was Boeing 747-400 at sunset!

United will withdraw Boeing 747 aircraft

Earlier this year, United announced that it was urgently retiring Boeing 747-400 aircraft from its fleet, the latter being withdrawn by October 29 2017. They will be replaced by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

In the coming months, United will operate Boeing 747-400 on routes San Francisco - London Heathrow, San Francisco - Frankfurt, San Francisco - Seoul Incheon and San Francisco - Shanghai Pudong.

The reasons are clear. The aging fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft requires more attention from the technicians, there are operational limitations, all culminating in a higher fuel consumption of 20% compared to the newer aircraft in the Triple Seven range. Even though it is a unique aircraft by its design and attracts the glances of the onlookers at airports, Boeing 747 received a low rating among passengers.

Related to the crew, 747 pilots will migrate to other aircraft in the United fleet. But not the same can be said about the flight attendants, currently operating on this type of aircraft. United has not yet presented a clear plan for them.

We remind you that major carriers such as Air France, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have retired Boeing 747-400 aircraft. Currently, the largest fleet of aircraft of this type (36 in number) is owned by British Airways.

After Delta and United give up Boeing 747, there will be no air carrier in North America with this type of aircraft in the fleet.