Boeing’s Iconic 747 May Be Flying Into The Sunset

“You used to get quite a lot of 747s, but not that many that come in here now,” Chester says. “I think 747s will be a thing of the past in the not-too-distant future.” In fact, industry analysts have predicted that for some time, Richard Aboulafia, a commercial and military aircraft expert with the Teal Group consulting firm, says that with its four engines, the 747 is a gas-guzzler. Airlines are opting instead for newer, two-engine planes — like Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. “Getting rid of engines is a great thing in terms of fuel efficiency,” Aboulafia says. “That’s why more and more airlines are focusing on those smaller-sized planes.”