The Future of Boeing 747 in the Cargo Industry

With the phasing out of the Boeing 747 as a passenger airplane, one might wonder if it still has a place in the cargo industry. Lufthansa appears to be the last airline flying substantial numbers of 747s in passenger service, and nearly all existing 747s will soon be either converted or retired. However, those converted freighters will likely see many more years of service.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of August 2021, there are only nine new builds left to be delivered, all of which are freighters intended for delivery to UPS and Atlas. There is an additional unit that has been in storage for the last ten years since Lufthansa declined to take it. Boeing now has a customer for this aircraft, but the identity of the customer has not been disclosed.

My prediction is that in around 10 years, the only passengers on 747s will be the US president and perhaps a few oil sheikhs, if they still exist. This prediction is based on the dwindling number of new 747s being built.

The Evolution of the Boeing 747

The original design of the 747 was intended to be a freighter, which is why it features a two-level nose design that allows for the front loading of oversized cargo. The 747 has had a long and successful history as a passenger aircraft but is now making a comeback as a freighter, with the latest iteration, the 747-8F, being well-equipped to remain in service for at least another 20 to 30 years.

Strong Convertibility

One of the greatest strengths of the B747 is its ability to be converted into a freighter. This feature is a result of its design, specifically the iconic hump at the front, which was designed to accommodate a freighter version and allow for front-loading of oversized cargo.

Interestingly, the decision to offer the 747 as a freighter came about due to Boeing's need to convert the original Air Force freighter design into a passenger plane when the military chose the Lockheed C5 airplane. The upper deck, which was initially intended for first-class passengers, is now an asset for cargo operations.

Comparison with A380

In contrast to the 747, Airbus's A380 has a design that makes it very challenging to convert into a freighter. Once an A380 ends its passenger service, it will most likely be decommissioned, as converting it for cargo operations would be too costly and logistically complex.

Therefore, the 747 will continue to play a significant role in the cargo industry for the foreseeable future. Many of the retiring 747s will be stored for later conversion, and new 747s are unlikely to be built in large numbers unless a significant order comes in.

In conclusion, the Boeing 747 is far from being phased out of the cargo industry. With its versatility and durability, it will continue to grace the skies for decades to come, primarily as a cargo plane.