Tides of Time Change Fleet Outlook
Many of you ask what happened to the long ranged four engine beauties. Well coronavirus pandemic sealed the decision of that in many forms of fleet necessity. Another factor of fuel consumption along the way over the years. Lastly eco friendly need to protect the eco system and try to stop climate change. Prevent it, no we are too far gone slow it down we can.
From late 1960’s to early 1970’s seen the birth of the Boeing 747 and proud flagship of fleets for many including the Pan Am days. For many years, the 747 was the queen of the skies. Late 1980’s seen Airbus build its first Airbus A340 that was launched In June 1987. Four engine long range focused that outperforms the former Airbus A300 and A310. At the time this was the answer to Boeing. Little if any conversation back then about fuel consumption, ecofriendly or climate change. Even though in the 1990’s many in the scientific world were already sounding the alarms.
Fast forward to the launch of the Airbus A380 first flight April 27, 2005. Even in the late eighties it was a dream and concept first though, at Airbus. Secretly developing an ultra-high-capacity airliner (UHCA) Singapore Airlines was the first to fly commercially on October 25, 2007. Now 90 per cent of these high capacity four engine aircraft are grounded still due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many like the original are scrapped or sit idle at storage facility somewhere across the globe. The world and climate got a reprieve and able to breath.
Now as many markets start to come out of this extremely long dark tunnel and grounding what lays ahead you ask. Well without giving you all the answers each airline has its own needs and requests. Though for many we strongly recommend a change in fleet outlook for the future, and some have already got this right. We applaud those for making the right choice but one thing you have to remember flying on two engines. In the event of a situation and suitable diversion airport the old rule of thumb was 60 minute maximum. Over the years long distance over water has seen some tragic and some tense yet remarkable landings with engine failure. From years of research and analyst within we have seen and reported the changes. With this alone development, planning, and marketing will always play a role and this is where we look ahead like many. Our services and years of this can be benefit your airline.
Source Airline Adviser 05/20/21