Aerial Image Shows Sad State Of Former United Airlines Boeing 747 In Mojave
Another blow from the COVID-19 pandemic is shown by the images of the former Boeing 747s which have been retired ahead of their time. However, the major US carriers all retired their last 747s years ago. While some would’ve found a new home with other airlines, many would’ve made a one-way trip to be scrapped, with vital parts being salvaged.
While the “Queen of the Skies” has been flying around the world for over half a century, it seems as though her time to end the long reign is here. Over the past year, we’ve seen many 747s making a final one-way flight.
The Mojave desert has become the most suitable resting place for unused or retired planes due to its arid climate, it is the perfect location to store unneeded aircraft. While some, like Qantas’ Airbus A380 fleet, will hopefully return to the skies, for most aircraft, the trip to Mojave is their last ride. This was the case with a Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 earlier this week.
Mojave Air and Space Port is a resting palace Boeing 747s that have taken their final flight. One example is N198UA, a former United Airlines 747-400 delivered about 23 years ago in August 1997 after being in service for 11 years.
Many other aircraft apart from United Airlines’ Boeing 747s have been scrapped in Mojave. The site has been responsible for storing and scrapping 747s from KLM, Thai Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and Qantas.
While the Boeing 747 was revolutionary when it was released, it has fallen out of favor as the technological advancement in the aviation industry has affected its relevance. Indeed, only three airlines took delivery of the Boeing 747-8 in a passenger configuration.
Considering the current emphasis on sustainability and reducing emissions, tied with the increase of engine reliability, it is no longer fit to operate so many engines. Twin jets consume less fuel and thus create fewer emissions than their four-engined friends. Indeed, according to Lufthansa, the A350-900 uses 12% less fuel than the Boeing 747-8.