British Airways sends the 747 into early retirement

A photo I took in 2013 from the window of the delivery flight for BA’s first 787

The announcement that BA is sending what remains of its 747-400 fleet into early retirement was expected, but still big news.

The decision to retire the aircraft ahead of schedule shows the scale of the ongoing reduction in demand seen by the company from the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the peak, British Airways flew 57 of these aircraft and they have long been the mainstay of its long haul operation. Although the fleet had already been reduced to 32 aircraft by the end of 2019, it was still a hugely significant part of BA’s production. During 2019, the “Queen of the Skies” accounted for 25% of BA’s wide body fleet, 27% of its long haul capacity and 32% of its premium seats.

Replacement aircraft are already on order for delivery between now and the previously planned retirement date of 2024. Deliveries of the A350-1000 have already begun, with five in service and a further 14 still to be delivered. Only last year, orders for 18 Boeing 777-9 aircraft were placed for delivery starting in 2022, with 14 of them earmarked to replace the oldest of the 747-400s.

It remains to be seen whether BA will continue to take deliveries as contracted. If they do, it will enable them to build back to the previously planned capacity over the next four years. However, it is probable that they will look to slow down replacement deliveries somewhat. Although most people expect 2024 demand to be back above 2019 levels, the industry will have lost four to five years of growth and capital expenditure will need to be reduced to start paying back the extra debt taken on in 2020.

Whilst many will mourn the passing of the 747 era at British Airways, the replacement aircraft come with big environmental benefits. The A350-1000 burns 38% less fuel and produces 40% less noise than the aircraft it will be replacing.

On a personal note, the retirement of the 747-400 fleet means that every aircraft now flown by British Airways was delivered after I joined the company. I still remember feeling awed by the size of the 747 as I walked past the row of aircraft parked at BA’s maintenance base on the way to my job interview back in 1993. Over the next 26 years, I spent many hours being carried around the world on this wonderful aircraft.

Farewell old lady, you’ll be missed.