There was a post recently about 767 running costs. I seem to remember $60,000 for a 4 hour sector in the US of which $6,000 was nav charges. Maybe the same post mentioned 747's.
Thinking about it if the avg 747 on a trip to the US has 10 first class pax at £3000 each (one way), 20 Bus class at £2000 each and 250 of the rest of us at £400 each that makes £170,000.
Assuming no profit is made (if you believe the airlines) that makes an hourly cost on a 7 hour trip of £24,000 per hour ish.
You can argue fares and loading but theres a ballpark figure for you.
[ 30 November 2001: Message edited by: 18greens ]