Cathay Pacific retires the 747 from passenger service :(

[TheFilipinoFGPilot]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/bus ... 66242.html

[KL-666]

Interesting to read that the alternative is not another mammoth plane like the a380, but large twins. I see that development more at other airlines too. The amount of passengers in the large twins seems to hit the sweet spot for many airlines.

At the time of design of the a380 Boeing already predicted this development. So they did not develop a new giant, but only revamped their 747 a bit. Mostly with the cargo market in mind i suppose.

Kind regards, Vincent

[Lydiot]

I think part of the problem was the demands on airports with the A380. So it became less flexible because of those demands.

Anyway it's a bit sad to see the 747 going away. My favorite plane by far. But last time I flew one, not too long ago, it was pretty clear the planes are getting old. They just didn't seem to have spent much on keeping it up to date in the cabin. This was a 747-400.

[HJ1an]

Maybe it's nostalgia but I feel the 747 has a certain majesty in the air and in the eyes of the general public it carries an exotic kind of element for air travellers.

The A380 does not have that IMO.

[Lydiot]

Yep.

[SHM]

The A380 wins in the comfort division

[HJ1an]

I don't doubt that. I have friends who tell me how comfortable and quiet the A380 is. Perhaps in another 20-30 years, when they retire the A380, it will be the nostalgic factor for the children of today.

[Lydiot]

The A380 is definitely the comfiest I've been on so far, but the 747 is just so gorgeous.....

[Lydiot]

Just look at that gorgeous face....

[IAHM-COL]

Really pretty