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   Boeing is pulling the plug on production of the 747 after more than half a   
   century. Bloomberg reports this based on insiders to the American aircraft   
   manufacturer. According to information not yet officially released, the last   
   747-8 will roll out of the Everett factory hall in a year or two.   
       
   According to insiders Bloomberg has spoken, the fact that 747 production is   
   nearing its conclusion can be deduced from subtle wording in Boeing's   
   financial statements.   
       
   The first Boeing 747 flew in 1969, a year later the first production aircraft   
   was transferred to Pan Am. Since then, the type has been in continuous   
   production. For fifty years, Boeing received 1,571 orders for the widebody   
   aircraft, which was (and is) loved by both travelers and crew members.   
       
   Over the years, the 747 has been regularly upgraded, but the base remains the   
   same. The distinctive hump on the fuselage and the four engines under the   
   wings make the 747 one of the most striking commercial aircraft ever.   
       
   In recent years, Boeing has only delivered freight versions of the 747-8, the   
   most modern and latest version of the "Jumbo Jet". The passenger version of   
   that type, unlike previous versions, was not a great success.   
       
   Like the Airbus A380, whose production will already come to an end next year,   
   the 747-8 is too big for most airlines. Smaller, more economical twin-engine   
   aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offer airlines greater   
   flexibility. Due to the corona crisis, the demand for large aircraft -   
   including for freight transport - has completely collapsed. Moreover, Boeing   
   itself has been in financial difficulties.   
       
   Although production ends, the type will remain in use for a long time,   
   possibly decades. But mainly as a cargo plane. Due to the corona crisis, many   
   companies keep their jumbo's on the ground and the question is whether they   
   will return to operational service in the long term. Airlines such as KLM,   
   Qantas and Virgin Atlantic even decided to put their entire 747 passenger   
   fleet out of service early.   
       
   Boeing did not confirm Bloomberg's reports to Reuters. At a current production   
   level of 0.5 aircraft per month, the aircraft manufacturer says that it has   
   more than two years of 747 production ahead of it.   
      
   --- DB4 - July 1 2020   
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